Manila, Feb. 18 -- The shellfish ban remains in effect in Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar after recent laboratory tests confirmed the presence of red tide toxins, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported Wednesday.

BFAR said shellfish collected from the bay, which covers the coastal towns of General MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani, and Salcedo, tested positive for saxitoxin, a toxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning.

All types of shellfish and Acetes species, locally known as alamang, from the area are unsafe for human consumption. The bay has been positive for red tide toxins since early January.

BFAR urged the public to refrain from gathering, selling, or consuming shellfish and alamang from the affected w...