TACLOBAN CITY — Several students of Baybay City Senior High School were rushed to the hospital on Thursday after suddenly experiencing symptoms that prompted school officials to suspend classes and authorities to launch an investigation.

According to initial reports, the students began experiencing eye irritation, itchy noses, dry throats, difficulty breathing or a feeling of suffocation, and vomiting at around 2 p.m.

The school immediately suspended classes as a precautionary measure and announced that Friday's classes would shift to asynchronous learning.

School officials activated emergency response protocols, with school personnel administering first aid to affected students before emergency responders arrived.

The Baybay City Emergency Response Unit, Bureau of Fire Protection and Philippine National Police conducted an on-site assessment to ensure the safety of students and personnel while determining the cause of the incident.

The Schools Division Office of Baybay City said it is closely coordinating with the school and other concerned agencies.

"The safety, health, and well-being of our learners and personnel remain our highest priority," the Schools Division Office said in a statement.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the students' sudden illness.