The ban on consuming all types of shellfish including “alamang” (Acetes sp.) collected in Puerto Princesa Bay still remains due to the persistent presence of red tide toxins, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) shellfish bulletin.
Latest laboratory results said that shellfishes collected at Puerto Princesa Bay in the city; coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; Irong-irong, San Pedro, and Silanga in Western Samar; and Cancabato Bay, Tacloban City in Leyte, are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison beyond the regulatory limit.
All types of shellfish, including alamang, from these areas “are not safe for human consumption,” the shellfish bulletin said.
In August, BFAR raised an alert for red tide toxins in the same bay in Puerto Princesa, Western Samar, Surigao del Sur, and Bohol due to the presence of paralytic shellfish poison beyond the regulatory limit.
BFAR stated in its advisory that based on the results of their red tide monitoring with the city government, shellfish samples collected from Puerto Princesa Bay are still positive for the red tide toxin.
However, fish, squid, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption as long as they are fresh and washed thoroughly before cooking.
Internal organs such as gills and intestines must also be removed before cooking.
