Traces of oil and grease in water samples taken from areas affected by the Naujan, Oriental Mindoro oil spill slightly increased in comparison to the baseline data, the analyses of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) showed.
“[T]hese were still within the standard limit of < 3.0 mg/L for Class SC waters or those suited for boating and fishing activities, and fish propagation for commercial and sustenance purposes,” the joint statement of the Mindoro Oil Spill Task Force said. The task force is led by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Transportation (DOTr), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
As such, the BFAR’s analyses indicated that the amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), present in seafood from Oriental Mindoro has already stabilized to much lower concentrations.
The task force noted that the fishing waters of Calapan, Bansud, and Gloria are presently well within fishing activity requirements. Per BFAR's findings, the fishing seas of Bongabong, Bulalacao, Mansalay, Roxas, Baco, Puerto Galera, and San Teodoro are still safe for fishing.
Meanwhile, the BFAR suggested the continuous implementation of fishing bans in Pola, Pinamalayan, and Naujan because of the potential for contamination from oil residues.
The BFAR is considering to give at least P117.864 million worth of emergency and relief assistance, early recovery efforts, and mid-to-long-term recovery aid to oil spill-hit areas.
“Of these, P12 million was allocated for fuel assistance to affected fisherfolk in MIMAROPA; P4.4 million was spent for post-harvest training for various fisherfolk associations and cooperatives; and, over P1.5 million was used for food assistance to more than 5,000 fisherfolk in the region,” the BFAR said.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has reported that siphoning of the remaining oil in the MT Princess Empress, which sank last February 28, 2023, has already started. Out of 79.33 kilometers of oil spill affected coastline, 66.433 kilometers or 83.74 percent has been acceptably cleaned as of May 31, 2023.
“The last stage of the cleanup operations would take around 20 to 30 days if the weather permits, after which the rehabilitation and final transition to normalcy would begin in the next few days,” the task force said.