#ANCRecap: "Women came and attacked me, they weren't there to talk, they were there to hurt people. It's creating more panic." Former Health Secretary Janette Garin appeals to explore Dengvaxia issue on court. pic.twitter.com/BErnSNEO09

— ABS-CBN News Channel (@ANCALERTS) February 5, 2018

MANILA - Former Health Secretary Janette Garin called for sobriety after she was attacked by a group of parents whose children were vaccinated with the controversial dengue vaccine.

Speaking on ANC, Garin called for an end to the "hysteria" over Dengvaxia.

"I empathize with the parents who allegedly were affected and let me take this opportunity to appeal for sobriety. Those who fan the hysteria should think twice and put public welfare above all else," she said.

"It's deplorable because those who were behind the commotion were just using the victims and they should stop," she added.

According to Garin, these parents are being fed with information that are "either exaggerated or twisted."

"I can see mothers being used. I don't know who is behind all these commotions. Things are exaggerated. I do understand the plight of the parents, how they feel, but the information that has been given to them is either exaggerated or twisted. And this is something that should stop because there are proper venues where discussions can be made," she said.

The parents were reportedly asking for an explanation from Garin, but the latter said those who attacked her were not there to talk.

"The reports said the parents wanted to talk to me but that was not what happened. Women came and attacked me, bashing my left breast, bashing my arm. People who were with me started to surround me because they were not there to talk. They were there to hurt people and it's unhealthy," she said.

For Garin, it is possible that those behind the commotion are fanning hysteria because doctors are coming out with scientific explanations.

"It's actually creating hysteria, it's creating more panic. Is it because doctors are coming out? Is it because the truth is being unveiled? And then people are starting to realize that there has been a grand scenario to make people panic and create hysteria," she said.

She also said she has previously been confronted by parents who blame her for the vaccine controversy.

Despite the incident, Garin said she is open to talking with parents, as long as they are not with those who are using them for their own interests.

"Talking with the parents is not a problem with me. I am open to a lot of discussions as long as they will not be with the group who is using them," she said.

A group of parents attacked Garin as she was leaving the House of Representatives building after the hearing on the dengue vaccine.

• Garin sinugod ng ilang magulang; mga 'sangkot' sa Dengvaxia, kinasuhan