00:00Schools closed in Antique after over 250 students were hospitalized due to inhaling foul-smelling chemicals on Wednesday, July 2.
00:09The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said elementary and high school students in Barangay Pisanan began falling ill.
00:16Symptoms reported included headaches, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and in some cases, loss of consciousness.
00:26The PDRRMO pointed to a strong chemical odor believed to have originated from insecticides sprayed near the school.
00:33An interagency investigation led by toxicologists and Department of Health officials are ongoing, with laboratory tests expected in over a week.
00:41Classes in the area were suspended following the incident.
00:44Barangay Pisanan residents are advised to wear face masks indoors and outdoors.
