A village celebration turned tragic after three people died and 31 others were hospitalized due to alleged food poisoning from consuming sea turtle meat in Barangay Linao, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
According to information gathered by Brigada News Cotabato, the victims were members of the local indigenous community.
Mayor Datu Marshall Sinsuat directed the rural health unit (RHU) team to assess the victims’ conditions and coordinate their transfer to larger hospitals if necessary.
Health officials are conducting further investigations to determine if toxins in the meat or improper preparation caused the mass poisoning.
The consumption of sea turtles is not only risky but also illegal under Philippine law due to their endangered status.
