The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said Sunday, Feb. 28 that various coastal waters in at least 12 areas around the country are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison (PSP).
This was based on Shellfish Bulletin No.5 dated Feb. 26 that the agency shared to reporters through its Information and Fisherfolk Coordination Unit.
BFAR said the 12 areas where they collected samples from "are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit."
These are coastal Waters of Inner Malampaya Sound; Taytay in Palawan; Sorsogon Bay in Sorsogon; coastal Waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; Tambobo Bay, Siaton in Negros Oriental; coastal waters of Daram Island, Zumarraga, San Pedro, and Cambatutay Bays in Western Samar; coastal Waters of Calubian, Leyte, Carigara Bay, Ormoc Bay and Cancato Bay, Tacloban City in Leyte; coastal waters of Biliran Islands; coastal waters of Guiuan and Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; Balite Bay, Mati City in Davao Oriental; and Lianga Bay and coastal waters of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur.
"Moreover, Murcielagos Bay (Sapang Dalaga and Baliangao) and coastal waters of Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental; and Taguines Lagoon, Benoni, Mahinog, in Camiguin are now positive for red tide toxin," BFAR said in its advisory.
"All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the areas shown above are not safe for human consumption. Fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking," it further said.