Red tide in Pangasinan: 1 dead, 25 hospitalized

BOLINAO, Pangasinan, Philippines—The mayor here has ordered a ban on the harvest, sale and consumption of all types of shellfish after a person died and 25 others were hospitalized when they ate  tahong (mussel). 

Mayor Noli Celeste told The STAR yesterday he sent copies of the order to barangay captains and ordered the setting up of checkpoints to prevent the transport of shellfish to and from the town.  

He said the fatality was identified as Manilyn Conde, 20, a resident of Barangay Ilog Malino. Those who became ill from suspected food poisoning were residents of Barangays Ilog Malino, Zaragoza, Lambes and Pilar. 

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources regional director Nestor Domenden said shellfish samples collected from the waters of Bolinao and Anda were found positive for red tide toxin.

Domenden said they also re-imposed the shellfish ban in Alaminos City, adding the ban has not been lifted in the towns of Bani, Anda and Bolinao.