THREE people died and 28 others were hospitalized, all from the Teduray tribe, after eating sea turtle in the town of Datu Blah Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte last Monday, November 25.
According to reports from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the fatalities in the incident were a 68-year-old man and his 48-year-old son, as well as a 56-year-old man.
Among those hospitalized were six minors and two pregnant women.
MDRRM official Irene Dillo said the affected residents bought the sea turtle for P300 and cooked it in adobo for their lunch.
Those who ate the sea turtle experienced vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, and were rushed to the Lebak District Hospital.
Dillo said that even the dogs, cats, and chickens that ate the sea turtle died.
Authorities have warned residents against eating wildlife, especially endangered or threatened species.
metrosundaily
