Rat swimming in soup? Magalong orders probe

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June 16, 2026 | 12:00am

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong ordered an investigation after a video showing a rat in a customer’s bowl of “sinigang” in a buffet restaurant here went viral online.

Aside from the probe, Magalong ordered officials to conduct stricter inspections and impose sanctions against erring food establishments.

Magalong, in behalf of the city government, apologized to the affected customers, saying the restaurant would face appropriate penalties if found liable for violating sanitation regulations.

“We really need to sanction that restaurant. After the investigation, there will be charges, and the owner of that establishment will face punishment or penalties,” Magalong said.

He stressed that businesses that are closed for health violations cannot simply reopen without clearance from city inspectors, citing reports that the establishment had resumed operations after conducting a general cleaning.

Magalong emphasized that a new inspection and certification are required before any food business can reopen following a sanitation-related closure.

He said inspectors have also uncovered sanitation lapses in other areas, including in Suello Village.

The mayor warned business owners to strictly maintain cleanliness standards as the city grapples with a renewed rodent problem, particularly at the public market.

“I hope this serves as a lesson to all food establishments that cleanliness is absolutely necessary,” Magalong said.