Manila, Aug. 28 -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 13 (Caraga Region) issued an advisory on Thursday after shellfish samples from the coasts of Litalit Bay in San Benito, Surigao del Norte, tested positive for paralytic shellfish toxins (PST).

BFAR-13 said shellfish meat samples collected from the area were subjected to screening tests, such as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and showed a positive result for PST.

The advisory warns residents to refrain from gathering, marketing, trading, and eating all types of shellfish, locally known as "kinhason", and Acetes sp. or "alamang" from Litalit Bay.

"This is to safeguard human lives and the shellfish industry while waiting for the BFAR central office confirmator...