BFAR Debunks Fears About Taal Lake Seafood Safety
TAAL LAKE – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has confirmed that fish from Taal Lake are still safe to consume despite circulating rumors about body dumping.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has clarified that fish from Taal Lake remain safe for consumption, despite circulating rumors that the bodies of missing cockfighting enthusiasts were dumped in the lake.
According to the agency, fish species like tawilis are not carnivorous and feed only on plant-based planktons, which means there is no health risk linked to consuming them. “Wala pong dapat ipangamba kasi unang una, itong tawilis, small pelagic fish po siya at ang pagkain niya nga po, ‘yung mga planktons na kabilang na diyan yung mga plant-based planktons, at hindi po sila masabi nating carnivorous,” said BFAR Chief Information Officer Nazzer Briguera in an interview. He added that there is no evidence showing the fish have been affected by the recent controversy.
The rumors stem from a whistleblower’s claims that the bodies of missing sabungeros and landlords were allegedly tied to sandbags and dumped into the lake to prevent them from floating. These reports have stirred fear and anxiety among local residents and consumers.
Despite the alarming allegations, BFAR insists the public should trust health and environmental experts instead of immediately believing unverified online speculations. The agency reassures that the safety of Taal Lake’s aquatic life has not been compromised.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Navy are on standby, awaiting the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) official order to begin a retrieval operation in the lake. Once authorized, they will initiate deep-water dives to verify the truth behind the whistleblower’s claims.
The case of the missing sabungeros remains one of the country’s most high-profile unsolved crimes in recent years. Over ten individuals mysteriously vanished after attending cockfighting events across Luzon. A man identified as alias “Totoy” recently came forward, sharing what he knows after allegedly receiving death threats against him and his family. In an interview published by Kami.com.ph, he denied involvement but expressed willingness to cooperate with authorities.
Despite the ongoing investigation, BFAR maintains its position: fish from Taal Lake are still safe to eat.
READ ALSO: Missing Sabungeros Tied To Sandbags Before Thrown In Taal Lake