Shellfish ban still in effect in 4 provinces

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday warned that shellfish collected in some parts of four provinces remain positive for red tide toxins.

Citing Shellfish Bulletin No. 15 of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the DOH said the shellfish ban is still in effect in Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur, Murcielagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental, and Masinloc Bay in Zambales.

“All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from these areas are not safe for human consumption,” the DOH said.

But fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs harvested from these areas are safe for human consumption provided they are fresh and washed thoroughly and their internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking, the DOH said.

The areas free from red tide are the coastal waters of Cavite, Las Piñas, Paraña­que, Navotas, Bulacan and Bataan in Manila Bay; Bolinao, Anda, Alaminos and Bani in Pangasinan; Milagros and Mandaon in Masbate; Juag Lagoon in Matnog and Sorsogon Bay in Sorsogon; Honda and Puerto Bays in Puerto Princesa City and Inner Malampaya Sound in Taytay, Palawan; Pilar, President Roxas, Ponteverde, Panay, Roxas City, Ivisan and Sapian in Capiz; and E.B. Magalona, Pontevedra, Pulupandan, Villadolid, Talisay City, Silay City, Bacolod City, Hinigaran, Cadiz City, Victorias City, Bago City and San Enrique in Negros Occidental.

The others are Irong-irong, Maqueda and Villareal Bays in Samar; Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; Ormoc, San Pedro, Cancabato and Carigara Bays in Leyte; the waters of Biliran province; Hinatuan, Bislig and Lianga Bays in Surigao del Sur; Balita Bay in Mati, Davao Oriental; Kabasalan in Sibuguey Bay, Zamboanga Sibugay; and Taguines Lagoon in Benoni Mahinog, Camiguin.