Iloilo: The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has launched an investigation into the suspected food poisoning of 92 cadets from the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) who were attending a summer training camp at Camp Adriano Hernandez in Dingle, Iloilo.
According to Philippines News Agency, IPHO chief Dr. Maria Socorro Qui±on reported that a clustering of food-borne illnesses was identified on Wednesday evening, following an initial report by the Iloilo Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit. The affected cadets experienced symptoms such as stomachache and vomiting approximately 30 minutes after consuming their dinner, prompting their transfer to nearby hospitals.
In response to the incident, 74 cadets were admitted to the Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan, 10 to the Don Jose Monfort Medical Center in Barotac Nuevo, and five to the Ramon Duremdes District Hospital in Dumangas. Dr. Qui±on emphasized ongoing coordination with the Dingle Primary Care facility and district hospitals to manage the situation effectively and monitor the status of those affected.
A field investigation was initiated on Thursday afternoon to gather additional information, with efforts to collect specimen samples from the remaining food and water for confirmatory testing. The goal is to identify the root cause of the food poisoning incident. Dr. Qui±on also stressed the importance of educating the community on food safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The health office advised the public to follow essential food safety practices, such as using fresh ingredients and maintaining hygiene during food preparation. Dr. Qui±on recommended storing uneaten food in clean containers inside refrigerators and retaining a sample of food prepared for large groups for potential testing if issues arise.
The ROTC summer camp, which began on June 14, involved approximately 900 cadets from universities and colleges across Western Visayas and Negros Occidental. The 6th Regional Community Defense Group (6RCDG) Reserve Command of the Philippine Army stated that all affected cadets received treatment and were discharged from hospitals.
In a statement, Group Commander Col. Edralin Poblete assured that communication with the cadets' families was maintained to offer timely updates on their condition. He reiterated the commitment to the cadets' welfare, emphasizing the importance of care, support, and medical attention. Furthermore, the 6RCDG is evaluating the incident to implement enhanced food safety and health protocols in future training activities.
