Red tide alert up in Bataan, Masbate town

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines – The coastal waters of Bataan and Mandaon town in Masbate were found positive for red tide toxin based on the latest laboratory results of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and local government units.

The advisory, contained in Shellfish Bulletin No. 13 series of 2014 dated June 2 signed by BFAR director Asis Perez, said shellfish collected in Bataan coastal waters (Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay and Samal) are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison beyond the regulatory limit.

Moreover, the coastal waters of Mandaon in Masbate are now positive for red tide toxin, it added.

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

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