Two men died while another was hospitalized Monday afternoon after drinking a mixture of denatured alcohol or paint thinner, toothpaste, coffee, vinegar, and water amid a liquor ban in line with the enhanced community quarantine in Port Area, Manila.
Police identified the fatalities as Quirino Lagrimas and Rainer Mercado, 52.
Executive Master Sergeant Richard Escarlan of the Manila Police District homicide division said another victim, Dande Curocoto, 36, is under observation at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).
Citing Mercado’s sister, Escarlan said the three had been drinking alcohol regularly prior to the incident.
Investigation showed that the victims drank the mixture at Mercado’s house at Baseco Compound in Port Area, Manila at about 12:55 p.m.
Mercado died on the spot, while Lagrimas, who was brought to the PGH, died upon arrival at the hospital.
Denatured alcohol, commonly used as paint thinner, is ethyl alcohol that is unfit for human consumption due to added chemicals that make it poisonous. Drinking it can lead to system and organ damage and death, reports showed.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso imposed a city-wide liquor ban from March 30 until the lifting of the state of calamity in the city to discourage residents from leaving their houses amid the enhanced community quarantine. (Minka Tiangco)