Spoiled Siopao downs 16 in North Cotabato
KIDAPAWAN CITY -- At least 16 elementary pupils in a remote village in Aleosan, North Cotabato were hospitalized after eating what they believed were spoiled siopao Friday, school officials said.Joel Calambro Sr., principal ofDualing Elementary School in Barangay Dualing, Aleosan, North COtabato, said about an hour after the recess time, some 16school children complained of stomach pain and nausea, prompting school teachers to rush them to nearby Aleosan District Hospital.Speaking over DXMS Radyo Bida,Calambro admitted the siopao were sold at the school canteen The siopao supplier was a school parent Calambro did not name.He said almost 100 pieces of siopao was delivered but the school canteen only took 32 pieces. Perhaps some were already contaminated that caused our pupils to suffer stomach pain, Calambro said. He said investigation is now on going. He vowed penalties will be imposed. Calambroalso denied allegation hurled against him that he did not bother toshow up in the hospital to check on the situation of the pupils. That is not true in fact I was there until evening to monitor the children, Calambro said, adding only eight out of 16 remained in the hospital. He assured though all were already safe and could leave the hospital soon.