Metro Manila, Philippines — Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday, July 31, declared a state of calamity in eight areas in the province affected by the oil spill from a sunken motor tanker off Bataan.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Remulla said affected towns are Bacoor, Kawit, Noveleta, Rosario, Tanza, Naic, Maragondon, and Ternate.
“The province is also declaring a NO-CATCH ZONE for all shellfish (tahong, alimasag, alimango, halaan) in our vicinity,” Remulla said.
“The Cavite Government is currently meeting for the immediate distribution of relief goods for the 25,000 affected fisherfolks in Cavite,” he added.
On Tuesday, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan declared that the situation was under control. He added there were no longer signs of oil spill in parts of Bulacan and Cavite as of Tuesday morning.
MT Terra Nova capsized and sank in waters off Limay, Bataan on July 25. It carried 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel.
The PCG said the siphoning process may begin on Wednesday, July 31, or six days later, once the sealing of remaining valves and pipes that leaked are done. As of July 30, 14 of the 24 valves were sealed.
UPDATE. Kumalat na po ang oil spill sa baybayin dagat ng Cavite.
Affected are the municipalities of Bacoor, Kawit, Noveleta, Rosario, Tanza, Naic, Maragondon, and Ternate.
As of today, the province is declaring a STATE OF CALAMITY in these areas. pic.twitter.com/Cn7p3xF4Ok
— Jonvic Remulla (@jonvicremulla) July 31, 2024
