About 50 persons were stung by bees at the Rodolfo Medel Elementary School in Brgy. Tangub, Bacolod City, 9:58 a.m. on Election Day, May 12, Dr. Anna Maria Laarni M. Pornan, Bacolod Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head, said.
The injured individuals who were in the area to vote were given first aid and monitored for allergic reactions, Pornan said.
No injured person was transported to the hospital, the DRRMO report said.
“The bees appeared suddenly and aggressively pursued the victims, causing numerous stings. Some of the individuals who were in the area sustained bee stings and required medical attention,” the DRRMO reported.
“The attack may have been provoked by disturbance to a nearby hive, though the exact cause remains unclear. The beehives were on a branch of an acacia tree approximately 20 feet high,” it added.
The DRRMO report said the area was cleared and secured to prevent further incidents.
Ther DRRMO, Bacolod emergency medical services and the Philippine Red Cross administered first aid on-site, including removal of stingers and application of cold compress.
The Bacolod City Health Office pest control services were contacted to locate and safely remove the bee hive.
However, it was advised that it be scheduled for another day as further disturbance to the hive could result in more people being stung. For the meantime warning signs have been posted in the area, the DRRMO report said.
Regular inspections of the premises for hives was recommended.*