Manila: The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Monday allayed public concerns about the quality of fish caught in Taal Lake. This comes after some local market vendors reported lower sales of Tawilis in the area following a whistleblower's claim that the bodies of missing 'sabungeros' (cockfighting aficionados) were thrown into the lake.

According to Philippines News Agency, BFAR Spokesperson Nazario Briguera addressed these concerns in a phone interview, asserting that tawilis (freshwater sardines), as well as other fish products like bangus (milkfish) and tilapia, are safe for human consumption. Briguera described the public scare as "baseless," emphasizing that tawilis consume plankton and are not affected by the alleged disposal of bodies in the lake.

Briguera further explained that freshwater sardines, which are part of small pelagic fish species, mostly remain at the upper level of the water surface. He reassured the public by stating that the claims linking the increasing population of tawilis to the alleged disposal of missing cockfighters' bodies should not be a cause for concern.

The spokesperson also addressed speculations regarding the growth in the tawilis population in Taal Lake. He clarified that the increase is due to their natural reproductive cycle and not related to the whistleblower's claims. Briguera also pointed out that tawilis are known for their rapid reproduction, which could be attributed to the spawning season.

For other fish species like bangus and tilapia, Briguera noted that these are raised in confined spaces such as fish cages, where they are provided with artificial feeds, further ensuring their safety for consumption.