Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 15) — The number of families affected by the major oil spill in Oriental Mindoro has reached 31,497 in Mimaropa and Western Visayas, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
It has also damaged the livelihood of at least 13,654 farmers and fisherfolk, the OCD said Wednesday.
The agency added that a total of ₱23.9 million worth of assistance from government and non-government organizations has been distributed to the victims.
A cash-for-work financial program has also been implemented to aid affected fisherfolk.
The Health Department reported that the slick from MT Princess Empress that sank two weeks ago has also caused some 122 people to fall ill.
Meanwhile, the OCD said a vessel from Japan is expected to arrive in the country to assist in the response operations.
Japan recently sent a team of experts and donated gear and equipment to help with the oil spill cleanup.
Experts have called for urgent containment of the oil spill as latest simulation predicts the leak would reach within the week the Verde Island Passage, which holds over 36,000 hectares of marine habitats.
