The Philippine Coast Guard on Monday confirmed that the oil spill from the sunken from MT Princess Empress off Oriental Mindoro has now reached Batangas.

According to PCG-Batangas station commander Captain Victorino Acosta during a radio interview said that it is now already visible on Verde Island.

“Opo. Sa ngayon, confirmed [Yes. Right now, it’s confirmed],” he said.

“Doon sa bandang 4.4 nautical miles, nagko-combat na kaagad tayo. Oil sheens pa lang doon pero may mga nagla-landfall na dito. Kapag nakita mo, nagiging kulay itim na,” he added.

For now the PCG is assessing the length of the oil spill on Verde Isand’s shoreline.

It is said to be affecting the situation in other coastal areas of Batangas, including San Juan, Tingloy, Lobo, and Calatagan.

He assured however, that the province has been preparing and has put in place improvised oil spill booms and other equipment.

Presently, there is no announcement of any fishing ban in Batangas and ro-ro travel is not affected.

Catherine R. Cueto