By Alma L. Tingcang
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - Here’s good news for Zamboanga Sibugay!
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has lifted the shellfish ban in Sibuguey Bay area in the latest shellfish bulletin issued on March 19, 2014.
Based on the latest laboratory results of BFAR and local government units, shellfishes collected at Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; Bataan coastal waters including Mariveles, Limay, Pilar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay and Samal as well as the coastal waters of Bolinao and Anda in Pangasinan remain positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit.
According to the bulletin which was signed by Atty. Benjamin F. S. Tabios Jr., BFAR Assistant Director, all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the above-mentioned areas are not safe for human consumption.
Fish, squid, shrimps and crabs are safe to eat provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.