THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Monday assured the public that fish from Taal Lake, including tawilis, bangus, and tilapia, remain safe for consumption amid rumors linking the lake to the alleged disposal of missing cockfighting enthusiasts’ bodies.
BFAR spokesperson Nazario Briguera addressed concerns raised by some market vendors who reported a drop in tawilis sales following the viral claim.
“There is no basis for the public scare. Tawilis feed on plankton, not on decaying matter,” Briguera told the Philippine News Agency in a phone interview.
He explained that tawilis, a small pelagic fish, stay near the water’s surface and are not affected by alleged activities in deeper waters.
Briguera also dismissed speculation linking the increased tawilis population to the alleged dumping of bodies. “Their population growth is natural, especially during their spawning season,” he said.
As for bangus and tilapia, Briguera noted they are raised in fish cages and are fed with manufactured feeds, further ensuring their safety.
He reiterated that fish products from Taal Lake are safe and should not be avoided based on unfounded rumors.
