Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) – An oil slick that originated from Oriental Mindoro has reached the shores of Caluya, Antique, affecting some 600 residents, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported Saturday.
The PCG said the layer of oil floating on water was seen in three barangays in Caluya, namely Brgy. Tinogboc in Sitio Sabang; Brgy. Sibolo on Liwagao Island; and Brgy. Semirara in Sitio Tambak.
The coast guard said it is currently conducting a shoreline clean-up in the affected areas.
Caluya, Antique is roughly a hundred kilometers away from Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
The local government of Oriental Mindoro previously said the slick has affected the livelihood of over 10,000 fisherfolk in the towns of Pinamalayan, Gloria, Bansud, Bongabong, Roxas, and Mansalay.
The oil spill came from a tanker carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel that sank near the province on Monday.
In a statement, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is “prepared to provide various forms of assistance to families and individuals affected by the oil spill.”
The government, through the @dswdserves, is prepared to provide various forms of assistance to families and individuals affected by the oil spill caused by the submerged MT Princess Empress in Oriental Mindoro.
— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) March 3, 2023
The DSWD on Friday said it has started distributing family food packs to 7,000 affected families in six municipalities in Oriental Mindoro.
The agency said DSWD MIMAROPA office has prepositioned more than ₱78.9 million worth of standby funds that can be used to augment assistance to affected municipalities in the province.
