Davao Durian Candy Maker Denies Involvement in Selling Expired Candies in Surigao

Davao City (PNA) — The maker of Wendy’s Durian candy suspected to have poisoned about 1,600 children in Surigao del Sur showed up at the police station to refute involvement in the incident.

A certain Mrs. Aquino, whose business establishment is located in Maa, this city, went to Talomo Police Station after media reported that Wendy’s Durian Candy from Davao sold at cheap price caused poisoning of elementary and high school students of several schools in Tandag municipality.

Wendy’s owner refuted they manufactured or caused the reselling of their products in Surigao but admitted they have bulk buyers from Surigao.

She did not discount the possibility that the candies were repacked and re-sold. She told police that their candies have six months shelf life.

Meanwhile, the city government is closely coordinating with Surigao del Sur authorities on the incident.

Acting mayor Paolo Duterte urged the public to be vigilant and help authorities gather information regarding the matter.

The Philippine Information Agency in Surigao del Sur reported that seven people were arrested by the police in relation to the food poisoning. She said that five of the suspects are with the police authorities Cagwait while two others are in Tandag City police.

The arrested suspects in Cagwait were identified as Richard Rivera Jr., Junnil Teriote, John Dequilla, Joel Pasa, and Martinez Bocaycay, all residents of Calinan, Davao City. The police also impounded the L300 van with plate number MEM-366 used by the suspects.

The arrested suspects in Tandag City were identified as Genelyn Dorgas Pasa of Bucana Boulevard, Davao City and Henrito Bitco Amoguis of Valencia, Bukidnon. Tranquilan said the confiscated candies bear the name “Wendy’s Durian” and “Mangosteen Delicious Candy”. (PNA) CTB/LCM/LDP