Supporters who attend the 90th birthday celebration of Imelda Marcos are given medical aid due to alleged food poisoning at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. INQ PHOTO/ Jam Sta. Rosa
MANILA, Philippines — Former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday apologized after at least 261 guests showed signs of food poisoning while attending the 90th birth anniversary celebration of former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos in Pasig.
The former senator said the affected guests have been rushed to the hospital to receive medical attention.
“Aming napag-alaman na ilan sa mga dumalo sa birthday celebration na inorganic para sa aking ina ay nakitaan ng sintomas ng food poisoning. Lahat po ng mga naapektugan ay dinala na sa ospital upang malapatan ng lunas,” Marcos said in a statement.
“Kami po ay nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga maaapektuhan at patuloy na umaasikaso sa kanila. Ako po ay humihingi ng pahumanhin at subos na pag-unawa sa nangyaring ito. Makakaasa po kayo sa aming tulong hanggang sa ang lahat ay tuluyang gumaling,” the senator added.
Marcos said the incident is still being investigated.
The Eastern Police District (EPD) earlier said there were more or less 2,500 visitors present at the event.
The EPD said the victims had episodes of vomiting and abdominal discomfort — which align to signs of food poisoning.
READ: Suspected food poisoning downs at least 137 guests at Imelda’s party