MANILA, Philippines – Six people died after allegedly eating poisonous puffer fish (butete) in San Pascual, Masbate on Thursday.

The authorities have identified the victims as Pascual Ello, 77, Sonia dela Cruz, 70, Mahanito Ello, 35, Vicente Hanili, 18, Catalino Esplana, 65, and Eden Esplana, 65.

Based on the initial report, the victims ate puffer fish in Barangay Bolod around 9 p.m. on Thursday.

The remains of the victims were brought to the Rural Health Unit of San Pascual for autopsy.

Investigations regarding the source of the puffer fish are still ongoing. — Jose Carretero, ABS-CBN News Masbate