Red tide found in shellfish off Pilar, Capiz

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Seawater in Pilar town, Capiz has tested positive for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP), commonly known as “red tide.”

This was based on samples collected on September 17, 2025, and analyzed by the Capiz Agri-Aqua Laboratory of the Provincial Agriculturist Office.

In a letter addressed to Pilar Mayor Arnold Perez, Provincial Agriculturist Raoul Perez recommended a temporary suspension on the gathering, transport, sale, and consumption of shellfish from Pilar until confirmatory testing can be conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) central office.

On Friday, September 19, Mayor Perez issued Executive Order No. 21, temporarily banning shellfish harvesting in the town and directing local authorities to enforce the order.

Red tide toxins were also confirmed in Pilar and other coastal towns in Capiz during 2022 and 2023.