TACLOBAN CITY , Philippines – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has identified four bodies of water in the Eastern Visayas that have been tested positive for algae that produces red tide toxin.
In a red tide bulletin issued on July 6, BFAR regional director Juan Albaladejo, Jr. discouraged residents from consuming shellfish harvested from the Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, and the Irong-irong Bay, Cambatutay Bay, and the Calbayog Sea, all in Samar province.
The Calbayog Sea is the fourth body of water in the region found positive for red tide toxin within this week.
The Matarinao Bay crosses the towns of Salcedo, Quinapondan, General MacArthur and Hernani in Eastern Samar, while the Irong-irong Bay passes through Catbalogan City and Tarangnan in Samar.
This is the first time that the Cambatutay Bay in Tarangnan town was tested positive for red tide. A 3-year-old boy and his grandfather died after eating mussels harvested in the area, while 20 others have been hospitalized since July 1.
The BFAR said all types of shellfish and shrimps from the said areas are not fit for human consumption. Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe to eat provided they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and its internal organs are removed before cooking.