3 dead, several others hospitalised after eating sea turtle stew in Philippines
Three people have died after eating sea turtle meat in Maguindanao del Norte, southern Philippines.
At least 35 others were hospitalised after reporting symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal spasms.
According to local reports, the victims from the Teduray community reportedly ate a turtle caught and cooked into stew by a fisherman during a gathering in Datu Blah Sinsuat town.
Pets that were fed the meat including dogs and cats, also died.
Authorities are now investigating the incident.
The Mayor of the township, Marshall Sinsuat announced a ban on catching sea turtles in his town, pledging support for the government’s conservation efforts.
While it is illegal to hunt and consume sea turtles under the Philippines environmental protection laws, locals still consume them.
Health officials said the turtles often consume toxic algae, which can make humans sick if ingested.
