A weekend family meal in Pinamungajan ended in tragedy after a 10-year-old boy died, prompting a health investigation into possible food safety lapses.
The child, identified by the alias “Natty,” died early Tuesday, April 21, after developing severe symptoms hours after eating at a local food park.
Health authorities are now determining whether contaminated or improperly prepared food caused the illness.
According to the family, the boy began feeling unwell shortly after dining with relatives on Saturday evening. They had ordered several dishes, including pork sisig, shrimp sinigang, and seafood.
By early morning the next day, he complained of stomach pain, which quickly worsened.
His mother, Mercy Benigay, said some of the food appeared undercooked.
“Nikaon pud ko sa tahong, mura mag hilaw, pag abli nako ba,” she said.
The child later developed vomiting, diarrhea, and extreme weakness.
“Sige siya og suka og kalibang, gipanignot na siya, naluya nalang siya,” she added.
The family rushed him to the hospital early Monday, but he died despite medical intervention. Doctors cited hypovolemic shock due to severe fluid loss as the immediate cause of death.
Other family members who ate the same food also fell ill.
His father, Mark Benigay, reported similar symptoms.
“Nisakit sad akong tiyan… mokaon man gani ko pero isuka pud,” he said.
He added his condition worsened after repeated vomiting.
“Wa nay igawas sa suka so magluwa nakog dugo, nabalaka nako,” he said.
Their one-year-old child also suffered diarrhea and required hospital care.
Despite the incident, the Municipal Health Office said no other diners reported similar symptoms.
“Sa atong nakalap nga impormasyon, daghan og nangaon atong adlawa og silang ra jung pamilyaha ang na timingan,” said Municipal Health Officer Dr. Melochie Pausal.
Authorities activated the Municipal Epidemiological Surveillance Unit to trace the source of the illness.
“Gina-follow nato ang protocol… magsugod ang investigation kung asa ni nahitabo,” Pausal said.
The family called for accountability, urging proper food handling to prevent similar incidents.
“Ila untang tarongon og luto kay daghan kaayong madamay. Kami pajuy natumngan,” the boy’s mother said.
His father appealed to local officials for action.
“Hinaot ma aksyonan ni ni Mayor Glenn Baricuatro, ila untang tagaan og justice akong anak,” he said.
Mayor Glenn Baricuatro said the local government has launched an inquiry and is prioritizing consumer safety as the investigation continues. (SBA)
Image courtesy of Raum Sarang / Facebook
Comments