PILI, CAMARINES SUR—Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Bicol director Dennis Del Socorro released a report that Red Tide toxin in contaminated shellfish has caused the death of a 5- years old child and caused 12 other residents of Sitio Bongcana, barangay Paraiso in Milagros, Masbate to be hospitalized from poisoning .
In an effort to curb the transport of contaminated shellfish out of Milagros, BFAR reinstalled check points in main highways in Masbate province.
Shellfish is a major fishery product in Milagros town.
According to Del Socorro, since June 17 this year BFAR experts have conducted tests in sea waters of Milagros, revealing that Red tide toxin levels have increased by 282 uni-micro-grams in every 100 grams of shellfish meat that were tested.
Although a more recent test confirmed that toxin levels decreased to 263 uni-micro-grams, still experts consider this fatal to humans who eat contaminated shellfish,.
Meanwhile, BFAR has declared that neighboring waters of Mandaon, Masbate, Sorsogon Bay, and Juag Lagoon in Matnog Sorsogon are still free from Red tide.(SONNY SALES)