(UPDATED) MORE than 300 students from Pis-anan National High School in Barangay Pis-anan, Sibalom, Antique, were rushed to hospitals after allegedly inhaling a “guava-like” odor believed to be from an insecticide spray around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
The incident was reported to have occurred around 8:30 a.m. or 9 a.m., when approximately 54 students complained of chest pains, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, and fainting.
Panic quickly spread among school personnel and parents after students from both Pis-anan National High School and Pis-anan Central Elementary School began showing symptoms.
According to the 3:45 p.m. report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), a total of 323 students were affected.
Of these, 209 were treated at Ramon Maza Sr. District Hospital, 33 at Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital where one student was confined, and 82 were attended to at the Barangay Pis-anan triage.
Students complained of symptoms including chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, weakness, and fainting.
The Emergency Operations Center of the Sibalom Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council remains on red alert to ensure fast coordination and response.
In an official statement issued at 6 p.m. Wednesday, the Schools Division Office of Antique expressed deep concern over the incident, which also affected nearby Pis-anan Central School.
“As of this writing, more than a hundred learners have been brought to the nearest hospitals for immediate medical attention,” the statement read.
The Department of Education (Deped) in Antique, through its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Unit, is coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and local government units to assist affected individuals and determine the source and cause of the chemical exposure.
Heads of the affected schools have been instructed to implement modular distance learning as containment, decontamination, and safety assessments continue.
Psychosocial support services are also being arranged for affected students and their families.
"An investigation, by proper authorities, is currently underway to determine the source, nature, and cause of the alleged chemical exposure. The heads of the affected schools have been directed to implement distance modular learning while containment, decontamination, and safety assessment procedures are being conducted," the division office added.
The division office commended the swift response of school personnel, local emergency units, healthcare workers, and municipal and provincial officials to the victims. (Leo Solinap)