MANILA – The celebration of former first lady and late dictator’s wife Imelda Marcos’ 90th birthday turned out to be a disaster – over 200 guests were rushed to different hospitals due to suspected food poisoning.
Bryant Wong of the Pasig City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said around 204 guests who attended the celebration at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City were rushed to hospitals with some of them already discharged.
Most victims – supporters of the Marcos family who came to the party venue on board buses and jeepneys – complained of dizziness and vomiting.
Colonel Rizalito Gapas, chief of Pasig City police, said in a radio interview that two caterers served food for the party: one for VIP guests and another one for regular guests.
Among the food served to regular guests were siopao, spaghetti, and pork and chicken adobo with egg. The authorities were also checking the drinking water consumed by the victims.
Sen. Imee Marcos, who was at the birthday event, said they will look after the victims and vowed to visit them in the hospital.
“Asikasuhin na lang natin ‘yung mga nasa ospital, at asahan po ninyo na bibisitahin natin ang bawat isa,” Imee said in a speech.
Despite the incident, the program went on despite the incident, with entertainers continuing to perform on stage while sick guests were rushed to hospitals./PN
