Cases of allergic reaction to the fish referred to locally as “tulingan” have also been recorded in Iloilo, Capiz, and two other local government units in Negros Occidental.
The first 70 cases were reported in Cadiz City in Negros Occidental.
Based on latest data as of April 8, 2026, at least 20 cases were recorded in Iloilo Province. Three of the patients sought help from the Rural Health Unit while 17 went to district hospitals.
Meanwhile, three cases were recorded in Hinigaran town in Negros Occidental while four cases were recorded in La Castellana.
The four cases in La Castella have yet to be included in the official list of the Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office, as of this writing.
In Barangay Jaena Sur in Jamindan, Capiz, the Santiago family said the tulingan they ate on April 5 was only given to them.
It was only a matter of minutes when they experienced itching, headache, and difficulty breathing. Their eyes also turned red.
Eight family members experienced the symptoms, including an eight-month old baby.
Dr. Rodney Labis, head of the Health Service Delivery Division of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office, said the so-called ‘scombroid fish poisoning’ happens when fish is not stored properly.
He advised that fish must be placed in a storage container with lots of ice and be stored at a temperature below four degrees.
“Ang scombroid fish poisoning na ito ay nangyayari kung ang isda tulad ng tulingan ay hindi na-properly store. Dapat kung hindi pa kakainin, ilagay sa storage box na maraming ice at ang temperature dapat is below four degrees celcius,” Labis said.
SAFETY
According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-6, eating tulingan is safe as long as it is fresh and prepared well.
“Safe ang pagkain ng tulingan, as long as it is fresh, na-prepare siya na ready for consumption,” said Remia Aparri, Regional Director of BFAR-6.
Earlier, the Cadiz City Health Office and the City Agriculture Office have collected fish samples and have submitted them for toxicological examination.
Residents were advised to:
- Purchase fish and seafood from reputable and properly regulated vendors
- Ensure that fish is fresh, properly stored, and adequately cooked
- Immediately seek medical attention if symptoms such as rashes, dizziness, or difficulty in breathing occur after food consumption
In Iloilo, the Provincial Health Office said it might be best to avoid eating tulingan for now.
Despite the cases, many still bought tulingan at the Iloilo Terminal Market.
The incidents, however, are affecting the sale of fish vendors at the market in Bacolod City.
