3 Residents Masbate Died After Consuming Pufferfish
Three residents of Barangay Maihao, Cawayan, have lost their lives after eating pufferfish or locally known as butete or tikong.
On March 21, 2026, the victims consumed the fish without knowing the serious danger it carries, according to reports.
After a few moments, they began to experience symptoms that affected their bodies, leading to their deaths. The incident has once again reminded the public about the risks of eating certain types of fish found in local waters.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Region 5 quickly issued a warning following the incident. The agency strongly advised people to avoid eating pufferfish due to the presence of a deadly toxin called tetrodotoxin.
The poison is known to attack the nervous system and can cause numbness, paralysis, and eventually death.
“Ang pufferfish o butete/tikong, gayundin ang goby fish o biya/mulog, ay nagtataglay ng mapanganib na lason na tinatawag na tetrodotoxin na maaaring magdulot ng pamamanhid, pagbabara ng mga ugat, at pagkaparalisa ng mga kalamnan na posibleng humantong sa kamatayan,” the agency said.
This toxin is more dangerous since it cannot be removed by cleaning or cooking the fish. Even when prepared carefully, the poison remains active and harmful. Health experts also shared that there is currently no known cure or antidote for this toxin, making any exposure extremely risky.
Authorities also reminded the public that the sale, distribution, and consumption of pufferfish, whether fresh or processed, are strictly prohibited under existing regulations. The same warning applies to certain types of goby fish, locally called biya or mulog, which may also contain harmful substances.
“Alinsunod sa Fisheries Administrative Order No. 249, Series of 2014 na ipinalabas ng Department of Agriculture, mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ang pagbebenta, pamamahagi, at pagkonsumo ng butete sa anumang anyo, sariwa man o naproseso, dahil sa mataas nitong toxicity o lason,” the agency added.
The incident has raised awareness about food safety. Officials continue to urge everyone to be cautious when it comes to eating unfamiliar seafood and to follow safety guidelines to prevent similar tragedies.
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