Duterte orders probe on series of suspected lambanog poisoning

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered a probe on the series of deaths due to suspected lambanog poisoning in the provinces of Quezon and Laguna, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said.

According to a report on GMA News' Balitanghali Weekend, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are already looking into the incidents.

The NBI was also tasked to come up with a report on the matter as soon as possible.

At least 11 people in Laguna and at least four in Quezon province have died of suspected methanol poisoning from drinking lambanog in recent days.

On Thursday, four more people in Quezon were reported to have died due to the possible poisoning.

Meanwhile, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said that the President was displeased upon hearing the news.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Health added that he was also willing to order an investigation on the cases.

The owner of the manufacturing which processed the possible poisonous lambanog already presented herself before the Laguna police.

As the families of the victims have yet to file for complaints, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said they are willing to stand as complainants. — Joahna Lei Casilao/MDM, GMA News