Oil spill-hit areas given P43-M aid

THE national government and the private sector have provided more than P40 million worth of assistance to 74 areas in Region 4B (Mimaropa) and Region 6 (Western Visayas) that were affected by an oil spill in Oriental Mindoro, Malacañang announced on Thursday, March 16.

Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. reported to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that a total of P43.35 million worth of assistance has been provided to these areas from the Office of Civil Defense, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, local government units (LGUs) and nongovernment organizations.

Galvez, who heads the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, also reported that 31,497 families or 143,713 individuals were affected in 122 villages, while the livelihood of 13,654 fisherfolk was also affected.

Meanwhile, at least 169 individuals were reported to have been injured or fallen ill because of the oil spill.

A state of calamity has been declared in the towns of Bansud, Bongabong, Bulalacao, Gloria, Mansalay, Naujan, Pinamalayan, Pola, Roxas in Oriental Mindoro and in Caluya, Antique.

According to Galvez, a total of 894 sacks of oil contaminated debris and 77.5 drums of waste for treatment were collected during the continuous shoreline cleanup activities.

Garafil said Marcos has instructed government agencies to intensify their cleanup of the spill in Oriental Mindoro.

The President has assured the affected communities that the government will extend assistance particularly through the cash-for-work program.

Experts and coast guards from other countries have offered assistance to the country in containing the oil spill.

A response team with remotely operated vehicle (ROV) from Japan is expected to arrive on March 20 to help in the cleanup efforts.

“The task force managing the oil spill in Mimaropa in collaboration with the LGU of Oriental Mindoro shall coordinate with the Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration and Bureau of Quarantine to expedite the entry of the incoming response team with the ROV from Japan to arrive the country on March 20,” Galvez said.

The ROV was provided by Harbor Star, a private company contracted by the insurance firm of the owner of the shipping company.

On the other hand, Malayan Salvage and Towing Corp., a private company, also contracted by the insurance firm of the owner of the shipping company, supports offshore oil containment.

Galvez said the Department of Transportation-Philippine Coast Guard will simultaneously look for an alternative ROV from a local source for the detection and recovery of the oil spill source.

The oil tanker MT Princess Empress sank last month, spilling 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil.

It has been located 389.1 meters below sea level, and 13.89 kilometers northeast of Balingawan Point of Pola, Oriental Mindoro.