Mag-asawa, pamangkin, nasawi matapos kumain ng nakalalasong butete sa Masbate

• A couple and their nephew died after eating cooked puffer fish in Kawayan, Masbate
• The fish was reportedly caught accidentally by a local fisherman
• Victims showed symptoms of poisoning, including vomiting and numbness, before dying
• Authorities warn that puffer fish contains a deadly toxin and should not be consumed

Three people, including a married couple and their nephew, died after consuming a puffer fish dish in Kawayan, Masbate, according to local authorities.

The victims reportedly obtained the fish from a fisherman who had accidentally caught it. The fisherman initially planned to discard the puffer fish due to its known toxicity. However, the victims requested to take it home and later cooked it for consumption.

Shortly after eating the meal, the victims began to experience severe symptoms. They reportedly vomited and felt numbness spreading through their bodies before eventually succumbing to the effects of the toxin.

An official from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the Bicol Region explained that the symptoms observed were consistent with puffer fish poisoning. "The symptoms shown by the victims are typical signs of puffer fish poisoning caused by tetrodotoxin," the official said.

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Tetrodotoxin is a potent neurotoxin commonly found in puffer fish, locally known as butete. It can cause paralysis and, in severe cases, death. Authorities also warned that other fish species, such as goby and biya, may carry similar toxins and should likewise be avoided.

Despite its deadly nature, certain types of puffer fish are consumed in other countries. However, experts emphasize that only specially trained professionals should handle and prepare the fish under strict safety procedures to eliminate the toxin.

Officials continue to remind the public to avoid consuming unfamiliar or potentially dangerous marine species to prevent similar incidents.

A puffer fish, also known locally in the Philippines as butete, is a unique marine animal famous for its ability to inflate its body when threatened. When it feels danger, it rapidly gulps water (or air) to puff up into a round, balloon-like shape, making it harder for predators to eat.

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In another incident, a 74-year-old man in Davao City lost his life after he was stabbed by his own grandson. According to the family, the 27-year-old suspect had a history of making threats against the victim and had been admitted several times to a mental health facility in the past. Rather than filing criminal charges, the family chose to have him placed under psychiatric care to address his condition.

In a separate tragedy, a three-year-old girl in Guimbal, Iloilo, died after becoming trapped inside their burning house. The fire started at around 2:54 p.m. on March 11 while the child was asleep on the second floor. Her grandmother tried to save her but could not reach her as flames and thick smoke quickly engulfed the area. Initial findings suggest the fire may have been triggered by an overheated electric fan, although authorities are still conducting a thorough investigation to confirm the exact cause.

Source: KAMI.com.gh