"SINIGANG NA MAY DAGA:" Baguio buffet restaurant under fire after viral rat-in-soup video

Baguio City, Philippines – A restaurant in Baguio City is facing intense social media backlash after a customer claimed to have discovered what appeared to be a rat in a bowl of sinigang served during lunch, raising concerns over food safety and sanitation practices and prompting calls for accountability.

Sinigang is a traditional Filipino sour soup made with meat or seafood, vegetables, and a souring agent such as tamarind. It is considered one of the country's most iconic dishes alongside adobo and lechon.

Meanwhile, Jungle Town Seafood Buffet Restaurant along Upper Session Road is known for its wide selection of seafood dishes and buffet offerings, attracting both locals and tourists seeking a variety of Filipino cuisine.

However, on June 13, 2026, a TikTok video posted by user Lucien (@1uc13n) went viral after alleging that a rat was found in a serving of Sinigang na Hipon ordered at the restaurant.

According to the video, the customer and companions arrived at the establishment between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. and had already begun eating when an unusual dark object was noticed floating in the soup.

Due to poor eyesight, the customer reportedly asked a friend to identify the object, which they believed resembled a rat.

"While eating, I took a sip of the soup. When I returned to my table and stirred my bowl of sinigang, I noticed something unusual. Due to my poor eyesight, I asked a friend what the black object was. To our horror, she shouted, 'P***, daga!'" the post read.

The group reportedly panicked. The customer further alleged that restaurant personnel did not immediately approach them, prompting them to personally report the incident to staff members.

In the same post, the customer expressed disappointment over what was described as the establishment's response, claiming their concerns were not promptly addressed and that the group was left traumatized by the experience.

"Everyone at our table became hysterical. What followed was even more shocking: the staff did not bother to approach or check on us. We had to go to them ourselves to report the incident. They were unwilling to take responsibility and, even more disturbingly, ignored us when we asked if we could leave because we were traumatized," the customer added.

The video quickly gained traction online, drawing thousands of reactions, comments, and shares. Many netizens expressed concern over food safety standards, while others called for a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Following the public criticism, the restaurant released an advisory announcing its temporary closure to conduct cleaning and sanitation procedures. As of writing, no official statement or public apology specifically addressing the viral allegations has been released by the establishment.

Why the Allegation Raises Health Concerns

Consuming food contaminated by rats can pose serious health risks because rodents may carry bacteria, parasites, and other disease-causing organisms. Urban rats, in particular, can spread illnesses such as leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and other forms of food poisoning through contamination from their saliva, urine, feces, or body tissues.

The level of risk depends on the extent of contamination and whether harmful pathogens were present.

In restaurant settings, the primary concern is food contamination and sanitation. Customers expect food to be prepared and served in a clean and hygienic environment.

It is also important to distinguish urban rats from dagang bukid (field rats), which typically inhabit rice fields and feed on grains and crops rather than garbage or sewage. In some rural areas of the Philippines, field rats have traditionally been hunted, cleaned, and thoroughly cooked for consumption.

However, even field rats may carry diseases and parasites if not properly handled and prepared.

Health experts advise individuals who suspect they may have consumed contaminated food to monitor for symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or other unusual illnesses and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.

Editor's Note: The allegation originated from a viral social media post. As of publication, authorities have yet to release the results of any official investigation regarding the incident.