A 4-year-old girl was killed and 20 other residents of Lakawon, Barangay Cadiz Viejo, Cadiz City, were hospitalized after eating a “butete (pufferfish)” yesterday morning, Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante said last night.

The fatality was identified as Maria Johanna de los Santos, the mayor said.

Cadiz Viejo Kagawad Mario Cañete told DYEZ Aksyon Radyo that the child and 20 others ate the meat of a 5-kilo butete that was cooked by Jose Beroy Cañete, whom he described as an expert cook.

The butete was cooked in coconut milk, he said, pointing out that residents of the area often eat puffer fish meat.

This the first time people have been killed by puffer fish meat in Lakawon since 1970 when eight people died, the kagawad told DYEZ.

Cadiz Viejo Kagawad Mario Tan told DYEZ that those brought to Cadiz District Hospital for treatment were Jojo and Junela de los Santos; Jose, Guillermo, Memel, Eldie, Jerry, Rebecca and Gerlina Ceñete; Felix Alburo and his two children, Noel Alburo, Cocoy Lirazan, June Rey Solon and Yanyan Alburo.

The names of four were not available.*CPG

back to top