BFAR assures tawilis from Taal Lake are safe

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) assured the public on Wednesday that tawilis fish from Taal Lake are safe for consumption despite concerns over claims that missing cockfighters' bodies were thrown into the lake.

BFAR spokesperson Nazario Briguera clarified in a phone interview with the Philippine News Agency that tawilis, being small pelagic fish feeding on plankton and micro-algae, do not pose any risk to consumers as they are unlikely to come into contact with human remains.

Briguera also noted that other fish species like bangus and tilapia raised in confined spaces such as fish cages are safe for consumption due to their controlled diet of artificial feeds.

Local market vendors reported a decline in tawilis sales following the claims, but BFAR emphasized that the fish sold in markets were responsibly raised by local fisherfolk.

BFAR's reassurances aim to address public concerns and restore consumer confidence regarding the safety of Taal Lake’s tawilis.