Red tide alert in Iloilo, 3 Luzon provinces

MANILA, Philippines - The coastal waters of Masbate, Pangasinan, Bataan and Iloilo remain positive for red tide toxins, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has announced.

In its latest shellfish bulletin, BFAR said the coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate; Wawa and Bani in Pangasinan; Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay, and Samal in Bataan; and Gigantes Islands in Carles, Iloilo are positive for paralytic shellfish poison beyond the regulatory limit.

BFAR warned the public that shellfish gathered from these waters are not safe for human consumption.

Several species, including fish, shrimps and crabs, are safe to eat provided these are caught fresh and washed thoroughly and internal organs such as gills and intestines removed before cooking.

Shellfish from several areas surrounding Manila Bay remain free from red tide toxins, including the coastal waters of Bulacan, Cavite, Las Piñas, Parañaque and Navotas.

The fishing areas in Alaminos in Pangasinan; Masinloc in Zambales; 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 were also unaffected by red tide.