THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday said it has spotted oil spills in the towns of Calatagan and Mabini in Batangas but said these are not related to the oil spill caused by the sinking of the MT Princess Empress in Oriental Mindoro a few months ago.
Captain Vic Acosta, commander of the PCG station in Batangas, said the oil spill incidents in Barangay 4 in Calatagan and Barangay Calamias in Mabini were detected at around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.
“These are separate incidents and they can’t be attributed to the oil spill caused by MT Princess Empress,” said Acosta, explaining that “if it’s related to MT Princess Empress, the one that should be hit first is Isla Verde. There is no new sighting there.”
Acosta said the oil spill in Calatagan was “almost an oil sheen,” which he said immediately dissipated due to sunlight and waves.
He also said the characteristic of the oil spill in Mabini was “black in nature” but most of the oil has already dissipated, leaving a small amount for PCG cleanup.
“It’s not alarming so the public has nothing to worry about,” said Acosta, adding the PCG is in control of the situations.
Acosta said investigations are underway to determine what caused the oil spills in the two towns.
“As of now, we are determining if vessels operated in the area. So far, there is none. We’re looking into all angles,” said Acosta.
MT Empress sank off Naujan town in Oriental Mindoro last February 28 after encountering engine trouble due to overheating. It was transporting more than 800,000 litters of industrial fuel oil to Iloilo, from Bataan, at that time.
Authorities are still doing cleanup operations of the spilt oil.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the oil spill has affected 194,809 people, caused sickness to 211 people, and damaged P4.73 billion damage to agriculture.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) yesterday said the fishing bans will remain in effect in the municipalities of Calapan, Naujan, Pola, Pinamalayan, Gloria and Bansud due to the risk of contamination from traces of oil that have yet to be removed from the area.
BFAR said that while oil and grease levels slightly increased in Calapan, Naujan, Bansud, Gloria and Pinamalayan, these were still within the standard limit of less than 3 mg per liter for class SC waters or those suited for boating and fishing activities, as well as fish propagation intended for commercial and sustenance purposes.
It likewise said that recent analyses showed that fishing waters in Bongabong, Bulalacao, Mansalay, Roxas, Baco, Puerto Galera and San Teodoro were within acceptable standards for fishing activities.
BFAR said the provincial government of Oriental Mindoro has already allowed fisherfolks of Calapan and Naujan to fish in the municipal waters of Baco, Puerto Galera and San Teodoro.
On the other hand, the fisherfolk of Pola, Bansud, Gloria, and Pinamalayan are allowed to fish in Bongabong, Bulalacao, Mansalay and Roxas.
Amid the continued testing, BFAR said it is eyeing to provide over P117.86 million worth of emergency and relief assistance, early recovery efforts, and mid-to-long term recovery aid to oil spill-hit areas.
Of the said amount, P4.4 million was already spent for post-harvest training for various fisherfolk associations and cooperatives and over P1.5 million was utilized for food assistance to more than 5,000 affected fisherfolk in Mimaropa.
BFAR said there are also funds allocated for the ongoing grant and capacity building of fiberglass-reinforced plastic boats with marine engines to affected fisherfolk in Oriental Mindoro.
The agency also deployed monitoring, control, and surveillance vessels, as well as personal protective equipment sets and other materials for clean-up activities. — With Jed Macapagal
