Red tide affects 4 provinces

MANILA, Philippines - The coastal waters of Bolinao and Anda in Pangasinan were found positive for red tide toxins, according to the latest shellfish bulletin of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Shellfish collected in Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur and Murcielagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental were also found positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit.

BFAR said all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from these waters 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,” said BFAR in the bulletin.

The following areas continue to be free from red tide toxins: coastal waters of Cavite, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Navotas, Bulacan and Bataan (Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay and  Samal); Manila Bay; coastal waters of Alaminos and Wawa, Bani in Pangsinan; Masinloc Bay in Zambales;  coastal waters of Milagros and Mandaon in Masbate; Juan Lagoon in Matnog and Sorsogon Bay in Sorsogon;  Honda and Puerto Bays in Puerto Princesa City and Inner Malampaya Sound in Taytay, Palawan; coastal  waters of E.B Magalona, Pontevedra, Palupandan, Valladolid, Talisay City, Silay City, Bacolod City,  Hinigaran, Cadiz City, Victorias City, Bago City, Binalbagan and San Enrique in Negros Occidental; Irong-Irong, Maqueda and Villareal Bays in Leyte; Biliran waters in Biliran province; Hinatuan, Bislig and Lianga Bays in Surigao del Sur; Balite Bay, Mati Davao Oriental; and Taguines Lagoon in Benono Mahinog, Camiguin Island.