Around 137 people have fallen ill due to suspected food poisoning from food served at former first lady Imelda Marcos’ birthday party at the Ynares Sports Complex in Pasig City today.
According to the Eastern Police District, the patients were brought to the Medical City, Pasig City General Hospital, Tricity Medical Center, Polymedic General Hospital, and Rizal Medical Center for treatment, reported Rappler.
A tweet from Senator Richard Gordon, the Governor of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), said that members of the PRC arrived at the Ynares Sports Complex this morning to attend to the patients, who suffered from vomiting and dizziness. He estimated that around 2,000 participants were at the celebration, while the Philippine Daily Inquirer said that it was close to 2,500.
As of 1:55PM, 137 patients suffered from vomiting and dizziness due to alleged food poisining. Accdg to reports, adobo and egg were served to est. 2,000 participants during the party. PRC already alerted nearby hospitals for possible patient transport. pic.twitter.com/Tj0VnCezv9
— Richard J. Gordon (@DickGordonDG) July 3, 2019
Authorities said that the patients started to feel ill at around 11am after being served packed lunches containing adobo, potatoes, and egg, reported ABS-CBN News.
Pasig police chief Col. Rizalito Gapaz said that the food and drinks served at the party will undergo lab testing to determine if it was really a case of food poisoning. He said he does not know who the event caterer was.
Imelda’s daughter Senator Imee Marcos was at the celebration and promised that she would visit all of the victims in the hospitals, reported GMA News.
The former first lady turned 90 yesterday but she first celebrated her birthday with supporters in Manila’s Luneta Park on Monday, CNN Philippines reported.
Imelda remains popular among some Filipinos. A fashion website even paid tribute to her in a photo shoot late last month for supposedly being a “style icon.”
This, despite her late husband Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorial reign, which is best known for its numerous human rights violations and massive corruption. She was convicted of graft in November but is currently out on bail.
Correction: The first version of this article stated that Imelda was not at the party. However, she was present at the celebration.
Reader Interactions