The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has warned that toxic red tide continues to be detected in the coastal waters of Milagros, Masbate, as of this writing, making shellfish unsafe to eat.
Authorities have banned the harvesting, sale, and consumption of shellfish in the area, according to a BFAR Shellfish Bulletin issued Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
Red tide was also detected in Milagros in a previous bulletin issued on February 7, 2025.
Aside from Milagros, red tide toxins beyond safe levels were also detected in:
- Coastal waters of Leyte, Leyte
- Matarinao Bay, Eastern Samar
- Dumanquillas Bay, Zamboanga del Sur
- Coastal waters of Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay
Shellfish and "alamang" (small shrimp) from these areas are not safe for consumption.
Fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs may still be eaten if they are fresh, thoroughly cleaned, and their internal organs removed before cooking.
Meanwhile, Sorsogon Bay, Juag Lagoon in Matnog, Sorsogon, and the coastal waters of Mandaon, Masbate, remain free of red tide.
BFAR continues to monitor affected waters and advises the public to follow safety guidelines to prevent shellfish poisoning.
