A 44-year-old man in Ballesteros, Cagayan died after he and his friend ate puffer fish or ‘butete.’

Authorities identified the man as Harold Tabios, from Barangay Sta. Cruz.

The death certificate stated cerebral bleeding as the cause of death.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has warned that tetrodotoxin, a toxin found in puffer fish, can lead to cerebral bleeding, attacking the nervous system and potentially causing lung or heart failure.

“Sinasabi sa mga pag-aaral na ‘yung isang puffer fish daw kayang patumbahin ‘yung 30 tao na kumain ng puffer fish o butete,” Dr. Westly Rosario, a fishery expert, said.

Tabios’ friend, Virgilio Rabago, 51, from Barangay Centro East, also ate the puffer fish, but survived and has been released from the hospital.

“Nahilo ako at namanhid ang mga paa ko, hindi ako makalakad… wala akong magawa,” Robago said.

The puffer fish was reportedly given by an acquaintance. 

According to April Valencia, Tabios's companion, Tabios woke up feeling unwell. Minutes later, his legs weakened and he collapsed.

“Nakatulog pa siya, mga 11:30 ata siya nagising kasi umihi siya. [Pagka]tapos [ng ilang] minuto, kinalabit niya ako kasi sabi niya, “Madi atoyen” kunana, tapos pagtayo niya kasla nanghihina ‘yung paa niya,” Valencia said.