Red tide warning up in areas of Bohol, Masbate, W. Samar, Davao Oriental

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has issued a red tide warning in Davao Oriental, Bohol, Western Samar and Masbate after shellfish gathered from the coastal waters of the said provinces tested positive for red tide toxin.

BFAR said the latest laboratory results on shellfish collected in the coastal waters of Balite Bay in Mati, Davao Oriental, coastal waters of Dauis in Bohol, Irong-irong Bay and Cambatutay Bay in Western Samar and coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate show that they are "still positive from paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit."

It advised the public that all types of shellfish and "alamang" gathered from these areas 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," it added.

Meanwhile, BFAR also reported that the waters off Cavite, Las Pinas, Parañaque, Navotas, Bulacan and Bataan remain red tide – free.

Likewise, the coastal waters of Bolinao, Anda, Alaminos, Wawa and Sual in Pangasinan, Masinloc Bay in Zambales, coastal waters of Mandaon in Masbate, Juag Lagoon in Matnog and Sorsogon Bay in Sorso- gon, Honda and Puerto Bays in Puerto Princesa City, and Inner Malampaya Sound in Taytay, Palawan are likewise free from red tide toxins.

Also free from red tide were the coastal waters of Pilar, President Roxas, Panay Roxas City, Ivisan and Sapian in Capiz, Batan Bay in Aklan, E.B. Magalona, Pontevedra, Pulupandan, Valladolid, Talisay City, Silay City, Bacolod City, Hinigaran, Cadiz City, Victorias City, Bago City, Binalbagan and San Enrique in Negros Occidental.