SULTAN KUDARAT, Philippines – Thirteen students and two teachers were hospitalized after eating a local delicacy similar to binalot or rice topped with minced chicken and wrapped in banana leaves in Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat on Wednesday.

Reports said the victims, who were all from the Sultan Kudarat Provincial State College, suffered nausea and abdominal pains after eating the delicacy locally known as pastil.

They were rushed by village officials to the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in nearby Koronadal City for treatment.

School officials said it was possible that the banana leaves used in wrapping the food was contaminated with pesticide.

Municipal health officials collected samples of pastil that downed the victims to determine if it was spoiled or cooked improperly.

Case investigator Police Officer 2 Romulo Lorania identified the students as Carlo John Sumbong, Rommel Gabaez, Billy Ray Arana, Jona Palma, Ferdinand Narte, Peter Bajo, Rolly Sagao, Adrian Misares, Melvin Madero, Arnel Buenafe, Paul Mindal Jr., Allan Pinto and Angelie Lugong, and the teachers as Charlene Capillo and Nicholas Jacinto.

Meanwhile, in Negros Occidental, two persons were also hospitalized after dining in an eatery at a bus terminal in Bacolod City.

Acting city health office chief Garmela Gensoli said the victims, whose names were withheld, suffered abdominal pains.

Gensoli said they would determine if the eatery is violating the city’s health and sanitation policy.

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