Red tide alert raised over parts of Western Samar and 5 other provinces

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Tuesday issued a warning due to the presence of the red tide toxin in parts of Western Samar and five other provinces.

BFAR said shellfish from the following coastal areas are "positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit":

• Daram Island, Irong-Irong Bay, Maqueda Bay, Villareal Bay and Cambatutay Bay in Western Samar;
• Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar;
• Carigara Bay in Leyte;
• Inner Malampaya Sound, Taytay in Palawan;
• Mandaon in Masbate; and
• Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay and Samal in Bataan.

It added that red tide toxin was also detected in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.

BFAR warned the public against eating all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. (alamang) gathered from the above areas.

However, it said that fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs can be safely eaten as long as these are fresh, washed thoroughly, and with their internal organs removed before cooking. —KG, GMA News

Infographic from BFAR