THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has issued a red tide warning for parts of Bataan, Masbate, Bohol, Zamboanga del Sur, and the two Surigao provinces.

The BFAR said it detected paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) in shellfish harvested from those areas.

The specific areas where the warning applies are Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Hermosa, Orani, Abucay and Samal, Bataan; Milagros, Masbate; Dauis and Tagbilaran City, Bohol; Dumanquillas Bay, Zamboanga del Sur; Litalit Bay, Surigao del Norte; and Lianga Bay, Surigao del Sur.

Shellfish and alamang (Acetes sp. or krill) from these areas tested for PSP beyond the regulatory limit and are deemed unsafe for human consumption.

Fish, squid, shrimp and crab caught from these waters are safe to eat after removing the internal organs and thorough cleaning.

Meanwhile, Biliran Islands, Leyte, and Samar were declared red tide-free.

Consuming infected shellfish can cause poisoning, affect the nervous system, and paralyze muscles. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson