The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Eastern Visayas has issued its latest red tide advisory, warning the public that Matarinao Bay remains under a shellfish ban due to the presence of toxic red tide organisms.
According to the advisory, shellfish meat samples collected from Matarinao Bay, covering the municipalities of General MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani, and Salcedo in Eastern Samar, tested positive for red tide toxin (saxitoxin). As a result, all types of shellfish and Acetes species, locally known as alamang, harvested from the affected waters are not safe for human consumption.
Authorities emphasized that consuming contaminated shellfish may pose serious health risks, urging residents, fishers, and traders to strictly observe the shellfish ban until further notice.
However, the advisory clarified that fish, squid, shrimp, and crab sourced from these waters remain safe to eat, provided they are fresh and properly prepared. Consumers are advised to remove internal organs such as intestines and gills and ensure thorough washing before cooking.
The red tide advisory forms part of Shellfish Bulletin No. 03, Series of 2026, issued by the BFAR National Office on February 13, 2026, as part of ongoing monitoring efforts to safeguard public health and marine resources in the region.
BFAR continues to monitor coastal waters and encourages the public to stay informed through official updates and comply with safety advisories. END #evchub8 #evcommunities8 #leyteinitiatives
- Calbayog City Cacao Farm Wins Silver at Global Cacao of Excellence Awards in Amsterdam
Apoy Benit’s Cacao Agricultural Farming of Calbayog City wins Silver at the 2025 Cacao of Excellence Awards, showcasing Philippine cacao globally.
- Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Issues Red Tide Advisory; Matarinao Bay Remains Under Shellfish Ban
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources warns that Matarinao Bay remains under shellfish ban after samples test positive for red tide toxin, urging public safety and compliance.
- Miss Pintados & Miss Teen Pintados 2026 Open Face-to-Face Screening for Aspiring Candidates
Miss Pintados & Miss Teen Pintados 2026 opens face-to-face screening on Feb 21, 2026. Aspiring candidates from Eastern Visayas are invited.
- DILG Issues ‘Anti-Epal’ Circular, Bans Names and Images of Officials on Government Projects
DILG Memorandum Circular 2026-006 bans names and images of officials on government projects, enforcing the Anti-Epal policy nationwide.
- DPWH Imposes One-Lane Traffic, 10-Ton Load Limit During Tangao Bridge Replacement
DPWH announces ongoing replacement of Tangao Bridge in Brgy. San Joaquin, Calbayog City, with one-lane traffic, a 10-ton load limit, and an alternate route for heavy vehicles via Lope de Vega.
