The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said Tuesday the Maqueda and Villareal Bays in Western Samar are now free of the toxic red tide, based on the latest laboratory results conducted by the government and local government units.
But the ban still stays for shellfishes collected at Irong-Irong Bay in Western Samar; Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; coastal waters of Leyte and Carigara Bay in Leyte; Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur; Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan; coastal waters of Mandaon in Masbate; and coastal waters of Bataan (Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay and Samal).
Shellfishes in the areas remain positive for paralytic shellfish poison beyond the regulatory limit.
All types of shellfish and shrimp fry gathered from the areas are not safe for human consumption, but all types of fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are still safe to eat provided they are washed thoroughly and the internal organs removed before cooking.
