Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Probers hit DOH findings on killer milk tea


MANILA - Investigators of the Manila Police District (MPD) yesterday criticized the Department of Health as ''irresponsible'' for going public with an initial report that stated that the milk tea that killed two people tested negative for four toxins.

A source, who asked for anonymity, said MPD investigators were surprised that the DOH held a press conference to apparently put an end to their investigation, when autopsy results clearly showed that ErgoCha teahouse owner William Abrigo and customer Suzaine Dagohoy died after ingesting toxic substances.

“They know they only have initial results in such a sensitive case, but they wanted to look good before the press. Someone died. We should be more sensitive,” the source said.

Dagohoy’s family, according to the source, went to the MPD and said they are losing hope to get justice for her death because of what the DOH did.

“What are they trying to do? Convince the public that there was no foul play here? That the investigation is over?” the source added.

What the MPD investigators could not understand is why the DOH, led by Secretary Janette Garin, held a press conference first before talking to the police.

“They did not even give the MPD the results. In the first place, the police requested the examination,” the source said.

Autopsy reports conducted by two different government physicians show that “shock secondary to ingestion of toxic substance” was the “cause of death” for the two victims.

GARIN: CRIMINALIZE SALE OF SUBSTANCES WITH CYANIDE

Meanwhile, despite finding that the milk tea samples collected from the teahouse tested negative for cyanide, Garin urged legislators yesterday to criminalize the sale and dispensing of substances with cyanide.

She said there are alternatives to cyanide-based solutions, particularly those used for cleaning silver jewelry.

Garin urged the public to be aware of the initial signs and symptoms of poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness and loss of consciousness.

“If you smell or taste something unusual in your food or drinks, don’t eat or drink it anymore. If ingested, spit it out,” she said. – Aie Balagtas See, Sheila Crisostomo

Read more on The Philippine Star

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com