ANTIQUE – Bishop Marvyn A. Maceda of the Diocese of San Jose de Buenavista has called for an expedited investigation into the sudden onset of illness affecting 268 students from Pis-anan National High School and Pis-anan Central Elementary School in Barangay Pis-anan, Sibalom town.
In an official statement issued on July 3, Maceda expressed deep concern over the incident, which occurred on July 2, 2025, and involved the alleged inhalation of a foul-smelling chemical substance.
“It is with deep concern that I extend my prayers to all those affected by the unfortunate incident… mostly school children,” said Maceda.
He commended the swift emergency response from local government units (LGUs), the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) units, and other concerned agencies. Affected students were quickly transported to hospitals for immediate medical attention.
The bishop added: “As we pray for the fast recovery and good health of those affected, may we call on the concerned government agencies probing the incident to expedite the investigation so that, after identifying the source and nature of the problem, appropriate actions and remedies may be taken.”
He also called on all parishes, rectories, and chaplaincies under the diocese to offer prayers for the full recovery of the students and the timely resolution of the investigation.
On the other hand, the Antique Provincial Department of Health Office (PDOHO) announced that the results of laboratory tests to identify the toxic substance will be available within seven to ten days.
PDOHO head Dr. Rommel Garganera said during a press conference on July 3 that swab samples were collected on July 2 from around Pis-anan National High School. The school was the epicenter of the incident, where students reportedly collapsed or complained of symptoms after inhaling a pungent, guava-like odor.
Affected students experienced various symptoms, including fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and chills. The mysterious odor was most potent around the high school grounds but was also reported in other areas of the barangay.
Collected samples have been sent to Ateneo de Manila University for laboratory testing. Dr. Garganera assured the public that efforts are being made to fast-track the release of test results.
While the investigation continues and students recover, face-to-face classes remain suspended in both Pis-anan National High School and Pis-anan Central Elementary School.
DepEd Antique Schools Division information officer Eric Cortejo stated that the resumption of classes will depend on recommendations from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and the approval of local chief executives.
Meanwhile, PDRRMO officer Broderick Train said the DOH has recommended the thorough cleaning of school facilities, including hosing down buildings to remove any lingering traces of the suspected toxic substance. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has been tasked to assist in the decontamination efforts.
As of now, local and provincial authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of the students and the broader Pis-anan community./PN
