Red tide alert declared in 6 more areas

MANILA, Philippines - The government has declared a shellfish ban in six more coastal areas nationwide found contaminated with the red tide toxin.

The Department of Health (DOH) identified the red tide-affected areas as Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; Hurclelagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental; Sorsogon Bay in Sorsogon; Carigara Bay in Leyte; and Bislig Bay in Surigao del Sur.

Latest laboratory results of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) showed that shellfish collected from these areas were positive for paralytic poison beyond the regulatory limit, the DOH said.

All types of shellfish and alamang gathered from these areas are therefore not safe for human consumption, health experts said.

They reminded the public to wash fish, squids, shrimps and crabs thoroughly and remove their internal organs before cooking.

Earlier, BFAR found the coastal waters of Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay and Samal, all in Bataan, to be contaminated with the red tide toxin.