The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) warned the public on consuming shellfish from five areas that were recently identified positive for red tide.

A red tide is an event that occurs on the coastline when algae, a plant-like organism, grows out of control.

In a statement, BFAR said the areas that tested positive for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) or toxic red tide were the coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate; Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; Litalit Bay, San Benito in Surigao del Norte; and Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur.

“Ang lahat po ng uri ng shellfish tulad ng tahong at talaba, ganoon din po ang alamang na mula sa mga katubigang nabanggit ay hindi po ligtas kainin, dahil ang mga ito po ay nakakalason (All types of shellfish such as mussels and oyster, as well as acetes from the said bodies of water are not safe for human consumption because these are poisonous),” BFAR Chief Information Office Nazzer Briguera said during a “Laging Handa” briefing, Tuesday, July 5.

“Ang mensahe po natin, huwag bumili, huwag magbenta, huwag magluwas ng anumang shellfish at alamang mula po doon sa mga nabanggit na lugar (Our message is, don't buy, don't sell, don't export any shellfish from the said areas),” he added.

Meanwhile, Briguera said 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.”

The BFAR noted that it has been regularly coordinating with the local government units in the aforementioned to monitor the situation.

Recognizing the impact on the local fishermen in the affected areas, Briguera assured that they would be given alternative livelihoods until the situation normalizes.