FILE PHOTO: Department of Health acting Secretary Janet Garin (UNTV News)
MANILA, Philippines — Based on the initial investigation of the Department of Health in coordination with Food and Drug Administration, the milk tea ingested by the two individuals last Thursday were negative for toxic substance.
The owner of the milk tea house passed away as well as the customer Suzaine Abigo.
But DOH explained that it doesn’t mean that the investigation is over.
According to Health Secretary Janet Garin, they will also conduct examinations on biological samples like blood, tissues and other gastric contents from the victims during autopsy.
“The results were negative but this doesn’t mean that if it’s negative, it’s over already because the whole clinical picture, you get all aspect, the timeline, the patient’s appearance, how was the samples acquired, was it moved, or changed?”
Because of the incident, the DOH urges the local government units to pass ordinances banning the use of substances, such as cyanide in their respective jurisdictions.
Cyanide is a chemical used for cleaning silver jewelries.
July 5, 2010, DOH and DENR issued a memorandum order that prohibits the illegal selling of unlabeled silver cleaning solution because of the danger that it might cause to our health.
Meanwhile, the Manila Police District is continuously conducting investigations on the incident.
Currently, they have already invited and talked with the crew and the son of the owner Llyod Abrigo.
But as to date, the MPD is yet to determine those responsible for the incident.
“We’re continuously looking and studying the CCTV footage and from there, as of now we will just focus there. We just wanted to ask you to let us do the investigation,” MPD Spokesperson PSUPT. Marissa Bruno said.
Police also denied reports that the owner’s son allegedly ordered to immediately clean the store after the incident.
The DOH appealed to the public to be cautious and be sure that the foods that they buy are safe to avoid any contamination. (JOAN NANO / UNTV News)