Senator Bam Aquino on Friday urged government agencies to immediately investigate a chemical exposure incident in Antique that reportedly affected more than 250 students.
“Someone must be held accountable for what happened,” he said.
He urged the Department of Health (DOH) to deliver swift and adequate medical assistance to the province, particularly to the students impacted by the exposure.
The senator said the students’ health needs must be prioritized to prevent long-term harm from the incident and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of young Filipinos, especially amid growing concerns over the state of education and student welfare.
The chemical exposure occurred earlier this week in a school in Antique, prompting mass hospitalization and widespread concern among parents and local officials.
Initial reports suggest that fumes from a nearby storage facility may have leaked into the school premises, though the specific chemical and source have yet to be confirmed.
Medical personnel treated dozens of students for symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and breathing difficulty, with some requiring overnight observation.
Local authorities have coordinated with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to assist in identifying the source of the chemical leak.
The Department of Education also launched its own review of school safety protocols in the province to prevent similar occurrences.
Community members and parents voiced frustration over the lack of immediate information and called for tighter environmental controls near schools.