The Philippine Coast Guard on Saturday said that the oil spill from a tanker that sank off the waters of Oriental Mindoro has now reached Caluya, Antique.

The report from the PCG District Western Visayas said that the oil spill has been monitored in the shorelines in the following areas in Caluya: Sitio Sabang, Brgy. Tinogboc (1km); Liwagao Island, Brgy. Sibolo (2km); and Sitio Tambak, Brgy. Semirara (2km).

The PCG said that there is an ongoing clean-up in the said areas.

On Tuesday, the MT Princess Empress carrying a  cargo of 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil sank while sailing rough seas off Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

Earlier statements from the PCG estimated the vessel to be 300 meters under the sea, but expert divers could only reach 180 meters deep.

Meanwhile, Marine experts said that over 24,000 hectares of coral reef area in the Mindoro provinces alone may be at risk from the oil spill.

The PCG advised residents from four municipalities in Oriental Mindoro to avoid fishing activities due to possible oil hazards.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had declared that the government is prepared to provide aid to families and individuals affected by the oil spill.

“Special attention will be given to the affected fisherfolk who will be losing their source of livelihood because of the oil spill,” he said.

Catherine R. Cueto