The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has issued a warning against the consumption of shellfish from two areas in the Zamboanga Peninsula. In a bulletin dated May 16, 2026, BFAR-Zamboanga Peninsula reported that shellfish collected from Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur and Tantanang Bay in Zamboanga Sibugay tested positive for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP), commonly known as toxic red tide, exceeding the regulatory limit.
Areas Affected
According to BFAR, all types of shellfish and acetes sp., or alamang, from these bays are unsafe for human consumption. However, fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are considered safe if they are fresh, thoroughly washed, and their internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.
Additional Bays Positive for Red Tide
Dumanquillas and Tantanang Bays are among six areas in the country where shellfish have tested positive for toxic red tide. BFAR also announced that two more areas—Panguil Bay in Misamis Occidental and Lanao Del Norte—are now positive for red tide toxin.
The public is advised to stay updated on shellfish bulletins and exercise caution when consuming seafood from these regions.
