ANTIQUE – Classes in ten barangays of Sibalom town were suspended from July 3 to 4 following an unidentified foul odor that caused health concerns and mass hospitalization among students in the area.
Mayor Gian Carlo F. Occeña issued an executive order (EO) on July 2 suspending classes from preschool to senior high school levels in barangays Pis-anan, Mabini, Nagdayao, Bontol, Panlagangan, Igcococ, Initan, Tulatula, Calooy, and Catmon.
The order cited a “mass casualty incident” that occurred at Pis-anan National High School and Pis-anan Central Elementary School earlier that day.
The incident began when students from both schools reported a strange, pungent smell — described as similar to “overripe guava” — which quickly led to symptoms such as headaches, abdominal and chest pain, vomiting, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and even fainting. Over 268 students were reported to have been affected.
According to data from Dr. Ric Noel Naciongayo of the Antique Provincial Health Office, as of 8:32 a.m. yesterday, July 3, 71 students were admitted to hospitals, seven were under outpatient care, and 94 had already been discharged from Ramon Maza Sr. District Hospital in Sibalom. At the Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital, seven students remained confined, while 89 were under observation, though most were expected to be discharged within the day.
Experts from the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 have begun an investigation to identify the chemical or substance that may have caused the incident. Dr. Rommel Garganera of the Provincial Department of Health Office (PDOHO) stated during a press conference that it may take more than a week to determine the exact nature of the chemical inhaled by students. DOH-6 has already conducted an ocular inspection and collected environmental samples for analysis.
In the EO, Mayor Occeña stated that the foul odor remains a threat to the health and safety of students at Pis-anan National High School, Pis-anan Central Elementary School, and nearby schools pending the results of the investigation. To prevent further harm, classes were suspended in all affected schools, including those in surrounding barangays.
Meanwhile, due to the incident, all barangay disaster risk reduction and management committees (BDRRMCs) were advised to secure all victims and coordinate with the Incident Command Post established in Barangay Pis-anan. Residents of Pis-anan and neighboring barangays were also urged to wear face masks. Moreover, barangay officials were instructed to prepare for possible pre-emptive evacuation if necessary.
DepEd allows distance learning amid probe
The Department of Education (DepEd) – Antique, through its Schools Division Office (SDO), expressed deep concern over the incident.
It said it is closely coordinating with local government units (LGUs), the DOH, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure that all affected learners receive proper care and support.
DepEd Antique has authorized the implementation of distance modular learning in the affected schools while decontamination and safety assessments are ongoing.
Psychosocial support services are also being arranged for students and their families to help them cope with the traumatic experience.
DepEd commended the swift and coordinated response of school personnel, healthcare workers, emergency responders, and local officials who promptly assisted the victims.
“Rest assured that the SDO Antique is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of all learners, teachers, and school personnel across the division,” the statement concluded.
As of this writing, investigation and containment efforts continued while communities remained on high alert until the cause of the incident is fully identified and addressed./PN
