Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 22) — The mayor of a town popular as a tourist spot said the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro province has not reached waters off the town.
Puerto Galera Mayor Rocky Ilagan also reminded marine experts to be responsible in giving projections to avoid spreading fear. The town is part of Oriental Mindoro.
“Ang mahirap sa projection ng MSI (University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute), hindi niya kino-consider ‘yung ginagawa ng gobyerno doon,” Ilagan said during the government-sponsored Laging Handa briefing on Wednesday. “Pag ang pinapakita niya lang ay ‘yung graphics ay natatakot lang ‘yung mga tao.”
[Translation: The thing with MSI’s projection is that it does not consider the efforts of the government. If they only show the graphics, it only causes fear among the people.]
He also noted that many tourists canceled their bookings in the municipality.
[Translation: The thing with MSI’s projection is that it does not consider the efforts of the government. If they only show the graphics, it only causes fear among the people.]
“Dapat naman maging responsible sila (MSI) na ‘yung livelihood ng tao, naiisip nila, dahil in actual, wala naman talaga [oil spill sa Puerto Galera],” he added.
[Translation: They should be responsible and think of the livelihood of the locals because in actuality, there is no oil spill in Puerto Galera.]
Ilagan said the local government is monitoring the coastal waters 24/7, and oil spill booms are on standby.
On March 12, UPMSI projected that the oil slick may move northward to the Verde Island Passage due to the weakening of the northeast monsoon or amihan.
Bulletin 7: Oil spill model forecasts that spill will reach Verde Island Passage due to weakening Amihan
Disclaimer: The model results are model forecasts and accuracy is difficult to determine. PLEASE USE MODEL RESULTS WITH CAUTION.
Read bulletin here: https://t.co/nv2gTJhGTf pic.twitter.com/SFo6vqqI7Z
— UP Marine Science Institute (@up_msi) March 12, 2023
On Monday, the Philippine Coast Guard reported that the oil spill reached the Verde Island Passage in Batangas. Verde Island Passage stretches to the shores of Mindoro, Romblon, and Marinduque.
https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/3/20/oil-spill-reaches-Verde-Island.html
The following day, the state weather bureau announced the end of the northeast monsoon or amihan. According to marine experts, the amihan helped contain the oil slick and prevented it from spreading northwards.
