TACLOBAN CITY — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has lifted the shellfish ban in the coastal waters of the Biliran Islands after recent tests showed the area is free from toxic red tide, while restrictions remain in Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar due to elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poison.

In its Shellfish Bulletin No. 21 dated September 4, BFAR declared the coastal waters of the Biliran Islands free from toxic red tide, allowing the harvesting, sale and consumption of shellfish and Acetes sp., locally known as alamang, from the area.

BFAR, however, reminded consumers to ensure that shellfish are fresh and properly handled before consumption.

The shellfish ban remains in effect in Matarinao Bay, covering the coastal waters of General MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani and Salcedo in Eastern Samar.

According to BFAR, shellfish meat samples collected from Matarinao Bay tested positive for paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) at levels exceeding the regulatory safety limit.

The agency advised the public to refrain from harvesting, selling and consuming all types of shellfish and alamang gathered from the affected waters until BFAR declares the area safe.
A local red tide advisory also remains in effect in Leyte, Leyte, where residents and consumers are likewise urged to observe restrictions on shellfish gathered from affected coastal waters.

BFAR clarified that fish, squid, shrimp and crab remain safe for human consumption, provided they are fresh and properly prepared. Consumers are advised to remove internal organs, including the intestines and gills, and wash seafood thoroughly with running water before cooking.

The agency urged the public to regularly check official red tide advisories before harvesting or purchasing shellfish from coastal areas.

While the lifting of the ban allows shellfish products from the Biliran Islands to return to the market, BFAR emphasized that precaution remains necessary in areas where red tide toxins continue to be detected.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — A married couple who spent years with the New People’s Army (NPA) in Samar has abandoned the armed struggle and surrendered to government forces, citing declining community support, difficult conditions in the mountains and their desire to reunite with their children.

The couple, identified only by their aliases “Aga” and “Bigo,” were members of the Sub-Regional Committee Sesame of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee before surrendering to government authorities and turning over their firearms.

Their surrender prompted the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) to renew its appeal to remaining NPA members in Eastern Visayas to lay down their arms, return to their families and take advantage of government peace and reintegration programs.

Bigo said they decided to leave the movement after the hardships of life in the underground became increasingly difficult, including the constant pressure of evading government forces, prolonged movement through remote areas and the fear of being killed and leaving their children without parents.

Aga said they also struggled to secure basic necessities, particularly food, while the loss of their weapons cache further limited their ability to operate.

The couple said the weakening of community support for the NPA was another major factor in their decision to surrender.

“The most significant reason why we decided to leave was the gradual loss of support for the movement from the very communities it claimed to serve and govern,” Bigo said.
He said residents had become more aware of the group’s methods and tactics, resulting in the erosion of its mass base and fewer sources of food, shelter and other assistance for its members.

For Aga, however, the desire to return to her family was a major reason for ending her involvement in the armed movement.

“I want to live a normal life with my family. All I want now is to be with my children and watch them grow, something I was unable to do while I was in the mountains,” she said.
The 8ID said the couple’s surrender reflects what it described as the continuing weakening of the NPA’s influence in parts of Eastern Visayas.

The military attributed the decline to sustained cooperation among communities, local government units and government security forces, which it said has made it more difficult for the NPA to operate, recruit new members and rebuild its support base.
The 8ID urged remaining NPA members operating in remote areas to follow the couple’s example and return to their families while they can still avail themselves of government assistance and reintegration programs.

The military said the government’s peace and reintegration initiatives are intended to help former rebels transition to peaceful and productive lives in their communities.
The surrender of the couple underscores the continuing efforts of government forces and local communities to encourage members of the communist armed movement to abandon the armed struggle and pursue peaceful means of addressing grievances.

The 8ID reiterated its call for remaining rebels to lay down their arms, return to their families and begin a new life outside the armed movement.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)