THIRTEEN children were rushed to hospitals in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, after consuming the toxic tuba‑tuba fruit, locally known as kasla, which they believed was edible based on content they had seen online.
According to a report on “24 Oras,” the youngsters began experiencing severe stomach pain, dizziness, and vomiting shortly after eating the fruit they had picked from a tree within their barangay.
Pamela Laseb, whose child was among those affected, explained that one of the group had insisted the fruit was safe to eat after watching a video on YouTube, prompting the children to peel and share it among themselves.
The child who harvested the kasla reportedly ate the largest quantity and suffered the most intense symptoms. “They peeled it before giving it to their playmates. Many children ate it. The one who picked the kasla ate the most. That child was the one who was most affected. They vomited, had stomach pain, and felt dizzy,” Laseb recounted in Filipino. The families immediately brought all 13 young patients to the hospital, where medical staff closely monitored their condition and administered necessary treatment.
Pediatrician Dr. Stephannie Gay Fuscablo Valdez confirmed that all children were assessed and observed for potential complications arising from the ingestion of the toxic plant. Following medical evaluation and care, every child was eventually cleared for discharge and sent home in good health. Authorities and health officials have since reminded the public to verify information regarding food safety and edible plants from trusted sources, warning that not all content found online is accurate or safe to follow.
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