TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has confirmed the presence of red tide toxins in Carigara Bay in Leyte province.

"According to our latest examination of the samples form Carigara bay, the toxin level reached up to 300 plus cells per milliliter from 100 plus cells per milliliter as of August 18", Imelda Sievert, head of the regional BFAR's Marine Biotoxin Monitoring.

The BFAR said that with the findings, it is now banning the gathering, selling and eating of shellfish from Carigara Bay.

The bay covers the towns of Barugo, San Miguel, Carigara, Capoocan and Babatngon.

There are now 2 bays in Eastern Visayas with red tide toxin infections.

The BFAR earlier banned the shellfish from Matarinao Bay in Salcedo town, Eastern Samar.

The agency said that it is closely monitoring the Cancabato and San Pedro Bays for red tide toxins.

The local BFAR said that it was still safe to eat shellfish from the 2 bays.