Bicol: The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Bicol (BFAR-Bicol) reported on Wednesday that the region has maintained its red tide-free status for over a year.

According to Philippines News Agency, BFAR-Bicol spokesperson Rowena Briones confirmed in a phone interview that the latest red tide advisory, issued on Tuesday, indicates all monitoring areas in Bicol are clear of toxic organisms. "It was last year that we last tested positive for red tide. So, it has been over a year since we have been safe from the red tide," Briones stated.

The red tide monitoring areas in Bicol include Sorsogon Bay, Juag Lagoon in Matnog, Sorsogon, and the coastal waters of Milagros and Mandaon in Masbate. Briones emphasized that shellfish harvested in these areas are safe for human consumption, especially during Holy Week, when many individuals are expected to refrain from eating meat. Activities such as gathering, harvesting, and marketing shellfish are permitted.

Briones assured that BFAR-Bicol conducts regular testing of water samples to ensure the safety of shellfish for consumption.