The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) warned that fish and shellfish caught in Cavite waters are still not safe for consumption due to the ongoing oil spill from Bataan that has affected Cavite’s coastal areas.

The BFAR statement came after the Pamalakaya, a national federation of small fisherfolk organizations, called for the lifting of the fishing ban in eight coastal municipalities in Cavite, claiming that they were not affected by the oil spill.

However, the BFAR said that fish samples are still being tested to ensure that fish caught in the affected areas are free from contamination and safe for consumption.

The agency has yet to lift the fishing ban, which was imposed to protect public health and safety.