TWO school children died, three in critical condition while 41 others and three teachers were affected by a suspected food poisoning incident in Tuguegarao, the Department of Education reported on Tuesday.

“We are very sad to hear about the suspected food poisoning incident in the Larion Bajo Elementary School in Tuguegarao,” Education Sec. Armin Luistro said in a hastily-called press conference at the DepEd main office Tuesday afternoon.

Luistro said that according to DepEd regional director Ben Tumamao in Cagayan Valley, most of the stricken children are in stable condition but are still under close observation.

Police reports identified the fatalities as Eloisa Ballad and Jesica May Bangayan. One was a kindergarten who died at People’s Hospital and the other is a Grade-2 pupil who died at Cagayan Valley Medical Center.  He said that they are suspecting that a canteen food similar to pancit, locally known as “sinantak,” was served to kindergarten and Grade-2 pupils 10 a.m. yesterday.

“At present, we are still gathering more information regarding the incident,” Luistro said adding that DepEd’s legal officer Jose Marie Macarilay has begun conducting an investigation.

The DepEd chief also assured the families of the victims that the department will provide all the necessary assistance, saying “the safety and welfare of kids remain our primary concern.”