BFAR raises red tide warning in Masbate town

LEGAZPI CITY – A red tide alert was raised covering the sea waters of Mandaon town in Masbate province by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Bicol on Tuesday.

Nonie Enolva, BFAR Bicol spokesperson, said based on latest laboratory results conducted by BFAR and local government unit on December 16, the shellfish products are positive of paralytic poison and are not safe for human consumption

“To avoid getting sick, we advised the public not to buy the mentioned shellfish products,” Enolva said.

She said fish, squids, crabs and shrimps are safe for consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

Aside from Masbate, other coastal waters in Daram Island, Cambatutay, Irong Irong, Maqueda and Villareal Bays in Western Samar; Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; Carigara Bay in Leyte; Lianga Bay in Surigao Del Sur; Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan; and coastal waters of Bataan (Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay and Samal). /jpv