There is no immediate threat of the oil spill from the motor tanker that sank in Oriental Mindoro reaching the coastal waters of Iloilo province, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG-6).
Lieutenant Commander Jansen Benjamin, PCG-6 spokesperson, said based on the prevailing wind condition, the oil spill is not expected to spread to Iloilo.
MT Princess Empress was carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel when it sank in rough seas off Naujan town on February 28.
The oil spill affected the villages of Tinogboc, Sibolo, Semirara, and Alegria in Caluya town, Anrique.
“As per assessment ng ating team doon, there’s no more new affected areas. Wala pong bagong mga oil na nag-land sa area. Ibig sabihin wala pong bagong langis na dumating,” Benjamin said.
Despite the absence of the threat, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. ordered local government units (LGUs) to monitor their respective waters.
Lawyer Dennis Ventilacion, acting provincial administrator, said it is better to be prepared.
“Nagalaum kita nga ang pag-ilig sang oil spill indi pakadto sa aton. Ti, siempre wala man kita pierdihon kon magpreparar kita.”IMT
