‘Pastil’ downs 14 in Sultan Kudarat

THIRTEEN college students and a teacher were hospitalized after eating “pastil” inside the Sultan Kudarat State University’s campus in Lutayan town Wednesday afternoon, police said.

“That is the initial information we have, 13 students from the first, third, and fourth years, as well as a teacher named Charlene,” said PO2 Romulo Lorania, the investigator handling the case.

All experienced stomachache and vomiting around 3 p.m. after buying “pastil” from another student at the campus in Barangay Blingkong, he said.

“‘Yung student na nagbenta, kasama din sa na-poison, naospital,” Lorania said.

That student is a female from Barangay Tamnag, he added.

All those who fell sick were taken to the Provincial Hospital in neighboring Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Lorania said.

Policemen have been sent to there to check on the number and names of those who fell ill, as well as their condition, he said.

“Bukas, mag-iinvestigate kami further para malaman kung saan galing yung pastil, saan binili yung ingredients. May mga kasama kaming mga health workers na kumuha na ng sample nung pagkain para ipa-test,” Lorania said.

“Pastil” is a Maguindanaoan dish made of steamed rice topped with shredded chicken adobo flakes and wrapped in banana leaves. Stalls selling this delicacy are found in and around the SOCCSKARGEN region.