A peaceful day at Energy Park turned chaotic after a swarm of bees attacked park-goers, sending 43 individuals to the hospital, including children who reportedly lost consciousness due to multiple stings.
Sheryl Cayao, whose family was among the victims, said in a GMA Regional TV report, “My niece fainted after being stung. My son also passed out when we reached the hospital.”
According to City Information Officer Don Sy, 39 of the victims have already been discharged as of 1 p.m. on April 10, while four remain under medical care. The local government has pledged support to those affected.
Initial findings point to human disturbance as the likely cause of the incident. Authorities suspect that someone may have thrown a stone at a beehive, provoking the attack. Fogging operations have since been carried out to prevent another incident.
City Agriculture Office Head Engr. Harold Dawa stressed the importance of regular monitoring of bee colonies in public parks. “Ang among target gyud karon is to conduct a monthly monitoring and spotting sa mga colonies especially sa mga park kay risky man to nga place… so delikado gyud,” he said.
Dawa also warned that certain species like the Apis dorsata, or giant honey bee, are highly defensive. “Dagko ni siyag size… once matandog ang iyang colony mo-atake gyud ni siya kay aggressive ni siya,” he added.
City Health Officer Dr. Arnel Florendo explained that bee stings carry venom that can trigger severe allergic reactions. “Ang venom man gud ana naay content nga gitawag og histamine… depende sa tao… posible nga maghubag, swelling, magkatol ug sakit,” he said, adding that severe cases can lead to anaphylactic shock.
Florendo advised the public to apply cold compress on stung areas and carefully remove any stinger. “Kung naa pa ang stinger gina advise namo nga i-scrape off, dili gamitan og tweezers kay the more na ma pinch na nimo, the more manggawas ang venom,” he warned.
