By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Students at St. Francis High School in Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental sought treatment last Thursday following exposure to a septic tank leak. Approximately 26 fell ill and, according to Vallehermoso Municipal Health Office officer-in-charge, Dr. Benito Gonzaga, after being treated at the clinic, some were referred to the San Carlos City Hospital.
All were placed under observation Thursday night and released later that evening.
Gonzaga said the students were “hysterical” after smelling a very foul odor and noticed smoke outside the school building. Some students reportedly fainted, vomited, and suffered from headaches, which prompted teachers and parents to seek medical assistance.
He said blood samples were taken and patients were properly checked before they were discharged.
Gonzaga noted, some environmentalists immediately proceeded to the school to check for the possible presence of haze. However, the clinic head confirmed the incident occurred because of a leak from a septic tank./DGB, WDJ