Tragic Death of 10-Year-Old Boy Linked to Mussel Consumption at Food Park
A 10-year-old boy has tragically lost his life after consuming mussels that are suspected to be contaminated at a food park in Pinamungahan City. The victim, identified as Nathan Arante Benigay, was the eldest of three siblings and a resident of Purok 3, Barangay Bonbon in Aloguinsan City.
Family Outing Turns Deadly
According to his mother, Mercy Benigay, the entire family visited the food park on the evening of Saturday, April 18, 2026, as part of a pre-fiesta outing. They ordered pork sisig, shrimp sinigang, and mixed seafoods. Nathan, who had a fondness for shellfish, eagerly ate the mussels.
Mercy noted that some of the mussels appeared undercooked, but they did not stop the child from eating them. "The mussels seemed raw because when I opened one, it was still clinging to the shell. If it were properly cooked, it would have detached easily. It also had a foul, tin-like smell," she recounted.
Rapid Onset of Symptoms
By early Sunday morning, April 19, Nathan began experiencing stomach pain. His father, Mark Benigay, started vomiting blood. By Monday, April 20, both father and son were weakened due to persistent vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
The boy was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday morning, April 21, but he passed away at around 7:00 AM that same day. Fortunately, the father's condition has since stabilized and he is out of danger.
Family Seeks Justice and Authorities Issue Warning
The family plans to file a formal complaint against the food establishment if examinations confirm that the mussels were indeed the cause of Nathan's death. Rodney Cabilla, Technical Manager of the BFAR 7 Laboratory, issued a public warning regarding shellfish consumption.
He advised consumers to always inquire about the origin of shellfish, check for color and odor abnormalities, and ensure they are thoroughly cooked due to the severe effects of shellfish toxins on the human body.
