Sibalom: A house-to-house psycho-social counseling is ongoing among residents affected by the 'mass casualty' incident in Sibalom town in Antique. The Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WV CHD) has deployed a team of 30 doctors and nurses for the counseling, which is set to continue until July 10.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOH Antique Provincial Officer Dr. Rommel Garganera, in a press conference, stated that the intervention aims to help residents in Barangay Pis-anan overcome stress and anxiety caused by the incident. The event involved a significant number of students from Pis-anan National High School and Pis-anan Elementary School who were transported to hospitals after experiencing chest pains and fainting due to inhaling a toxic chemical.

Garganera noted that this is the first time residents of Barangay Pis-anan have encountered such an incident involving a large number of students. A total of 268 learners were affected and rushed to the Ramon Maza Sr. Memorial District Hospital (RMSMDH) and the Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital (ASMGH). The learners are primarily residents of Barangay Pis-anan and surrounding villages.

Garganera also mentioned that the results of the laboratory test conducted by their toxicologist to determine the cause of the incident will be available in seven to 10 days. The toxicologist, an expert from Sta. Barbara Sanitarium, is working to provide results as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Antique Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) Chief Ric Noel Naciongayo reported that as of Thursday morning, 94 learners have been discharged, while 71 remain admitted at the RMSMDH. Seven are still admitted at the ASMGH.

Support for the affected families has been assured by Rep. Antonio Agapito Legarda and Gov. Paolo Everardo Javier. The Antique provincial government has prepared 400 food packs for distribution to the families of the learners, and additional support is being provided due to the health emergency.