- Probe launched as 29 DavNor high school students downed
HEALTH and law enforcement authorities have launched a joint investigation following a suspected food poisoning incident that affected 29 students from Tulalian National High School in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte.
According to a statement issued by the Municipal Health Office (MHO) on Aug. 24, emergency response teams were deployed after learners exhibited symptoms including severe abdominal pain, nausea, persistent vomiting, and dizziness.
The emergency transport was conducted in coordination with the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) and officials of barangays New Katipunan, Balagunan, and Bobongon.
All 29 students were initially brought to the Santo Tomas Rural Health Unit for medical evaluation.
Following the clinical assessment:
- 18 students were referred to the Davao del Norte Hospital – Carmen Zone (DDNH-CZ).
- 4 students were transferred to the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in Tagum City.
- 1 student was admitted to a private facility upon parental request.
- 6 students were clinically cleared and discharged after showing no further symptoms.
The Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Santo Tomas municipal government confirmed they will cover all medical expenses to ensure zero billing for affected families at handling hospitals.
Investigation underway
Meanwhile, the Municipal Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (MESU) has been dispatched to Tulalian National High School to inspect campus canteen facilities and surrounding food vendors.
Food samples were collected on-site and submitted for laboratory analysis to pinpoint the exact source of contamination.
Parallel to health response efforts, the Santo Tomas Municipal Police Station is coordinating closely with school administrators, medical personnel, and local agencies to document and verify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Appropriate investigative and coordination measures are being undertaken to determine facts surrounding the circumstances,” the Santo Tomas MPS stated in an official advisory. “We assure students, parents, and the public that student safety remains our priority.”
Both police and municipal health officials appealed to the public to refrain from spreading unverified information or speculating on social media while official laboratory testing and medical assessments remain ongoing.
