A woman died while 118 others were hospitalized due to suspected poisoning in Arakan town in Cotabato.
Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco told Inquirer the 53-year-old woman died due to dehydration after refusing to be admitted to the hospital.
Catamco explained the victims were family members of a women’s association of Barangay Salasang who brought home leftover food from their Christmas party on Friday.
The victims showed symptoms of food poisoning such as abdominal pain, loose bowel movement, and vomiting after consuming the food.
The victims were rushed to the Arakan Valley district hospital in Antipas, Cotabato.
Catamco added that six patients were positive of amoeba after thorough examinations.
The provincial government advised residents to cook food thoroughly and avoid exposing cooked meals to heat.
