THE City Government of Tagum confirmed that a swarm of native honeybees, locally known as “putyukan”, attacked individuals in a specific portion of the 25-hectare Energy Park in Barangay Apokon on April 9, 2025.
A total of 43 people were stung by the insects, prompting an immediate response from local authorities.
In an official statement released on April 10, the Tagum City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRMMO) in coordination with the City Agriculture Office swiftly responded and dispatched trained beekeepers to conduct fogging operations in the area to control the swarm.
Meanwhile, personnel from the City Mayor’s Office were also sent to the area to ensure the safety of the affected individuals. They assisted with medical treatment to provide immediate relief to the victims and their families.
"Sa maong insidente, natala nga 43 ka mga indibidwal ang naapektuhan ug dali-dali silang gidala sa Davao Regional Medical Center. Sa update kagahapon, 39 na sa mga pasyente ang gideklarang stable ug gi-discharge, samtang as of 1 p.m. karong adlawa, Abril 10, pabilin pang nagapaayo ang upat," the statement said.
(In this incident, 43 individuals were affected and were immediately brought to the Davao Regional Medical Center. As of yesterday’s update, 39 of the patients have been declared stable and discharged, while as of 1 p.m. today, April 10, the remaining four are still recovering).
As of the latest update, the City Government of Tagum said they are investigating the incident to determine the cause of the bee attack. Authorities are carefully examining the situation to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The City Government also stressed that ensuring public safety is a top priority and they reminded residents not to approach or disturb these creatures, especially without the presence of an expert.
"Ginahatagan og dakong prayoridad sa City Government of Tagum ang pagsigurong luwas ang atong mga pampublikong espasyo alang sa tanang Tagumenyo, ilabi na sa atong mga kabatan-onan. Lakip diri ang pagpahigayon og regular nga fogging activity aron malikayan ang susamang mga panghitabo,” they said.
(The City Government of Tagum gives top priority to ensuring the safety of our public spaces for all Tagumeños, especially for our youth. This includes conducting regular fogging activities to prevent similar incidents from occurring).
Despite the incident, the Energy Park remains open and continues to operate during its regular hours. They also reassured the public that measures are in place to ensure the safety of visitors. DEF
