More than 200 fall ill in Philippines after eating at party for former first lady

[Mark Berkowitz]

Philippine Health Secretary Francisco Duque III talks to patients who fell ill during the 90th birthday celebration of former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos, the flamboyant wife of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, Wednesday, July 3, 2019, in Manila, Philippines.

Officials say more than 240 people have been brought to hospitals due to suspected food poisoning in the event which was attended by more than a thousand "Marcos Loyalists

MANILA, Philippines - More than 240 people were brought to hospitals in the Philippine capital Wednesday with suspected food poisoning in an event celebrating the 90th birthday of former first lady Imelda Marcos.

Bryant Wong, a disaster-response officer, said dozens of ambulances transported at least 244 people who either vomited or grew dizzy hours after eating a breakfast of chicken stew with egg and rice and drinking water in a sports centre in suburban Pasig city.

Food and Drug Administration personnel took samples of the food to check if it caused the apparent poisoning.

The incident cut short what was supposed to be a daylong celebration by more than 2,000 Marcos followers, Wong said.

Imelda Marcos's son, Bongbong, apologized and promised to help those who fell ill until they fully recover.

Imelda Marcos, who ended her term in May as a member of the House of Representatives, celebrated her birthday Tuesday. Her daughter, Imee, ran successfully for a Senate seat in the May 13 local and congressional elections.

Mrs. Marcos's husband, dictator Ferdinand Marcos, was ousted by an army-backed “people power” revolt in 1986 amid accusations of massive corruption, which she steadfastly denies. He died in self-exile in Hawaii in 1989, while his widow and children made an impressive political comeback.

Mrs. Marcos drew international condemnation for her massive collection of shoes and expensive jewelry she left behind after the couple was overthrown.

https://www.cp24.com/world/more-than-200-fall-ill-in-philippines-after-eating-at-party-for-former-first-lady-1.4491853

Edited July 3, 2019 by Mark Berkowitz
added some

[Kuya John]

Apparently the Former First Lady didn't get sick.

[Mark Berkowitz]

Just now, Kuya John said:

Apparently the Former First Lady didn't get sick.

Very keen observation! 

[sonjack2847]

This is what happens when food is left out for hours maybe even all day with no refrigeration or adequate re heating.

[Tommy T.]

I know we are not supposed to talk politics here, so maybe I stick my neck out?

But maybe the toxic food is a leftover from that toxic dictator?

[Dave Hounddriver]

3 hours ago, sonjack2847 said:

This is what happens when food is left out for hours maybe even all day with no refrigeration or adequate re heating.

Nah, its the fake vinegar they put on the food.

[Tommy T.]

Yeah... with petroleum and radiation too? My God... what are we really eating here?

[Mike J]

Makes me happy that my invitation got lost in the mail. 

[Jack Peterson]

7 minutes ago, Tommy T. said:

Yeah... with petroleum and radiation too? My God... what are we really eating here?

 Hence the saying "you are what you Eat" 

 

42 minutes ago, Tommy T. said:

But maybe the toxic food is a leftover from that toxic dictator?

[Tommy T.]

3 minutes ago, Jack Peterson said:

 Hence the saying "you are what you Eat" 

 

How true, Jack!