NAIC, Cavite — Dozens of students at Naic Integrated National High School were rushed to a hospital Tuesday afternoon after reportedly fainting or experiencing panic attacks caused by smoke that seeped into classrooms, authorities said.
Emergency responders, including the Bureau of Fire Protection, police, and multiple ambulances, arrived at the school in Barangay Halang around 3 p.m., according to witnesses.
Video footage taken by local resident Athan San Pedro showed a convoy of ambulances transporting students to San Lorenzo Hospital in Naic.
Initial reports indicated that the smoke came from an area behind the school, but officials have yet to determine its source.
The Bureau of Fire Protection and police are conducting a joint investigation.
School officials temporarily suspended classes as a precaution while the incident was being assessed. No fatalities were reported, but several students remained under observation for breathing difficulties and anxiety.
The incident comes as Philippine schools have been under tighter safety protocols following recent nationwide fire safety inspections ordered by the Department of Education.
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