Fishermen in Buenavista, Guimaras who were affected by the oil spill incident in Iloilo City last July have started receiving their compensation.
Mayor Eugene Reyes said AC Energy, Inc., operator of Power Barge 102 that caused the oil spill, began the distribution of the compensation to the first one thousand fishermen last week.
The first batch is composed of fishermen from Taminla, one of the 17 villages in Buenavista.
Reyes assured that health protocols are strictly followed during the distribution to prevent the transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Those affected are entitled to get at least P3,000 to P20,000, depending on the extent of damage to their livelihood.
According to Reyes, about 3,400 applications are still being validated and assessed by the Ayala-owned firm for compensation.
To recall, around 48,000 liters or 12,700 gallons of oil spilled into waters off Iloilo City after an explosion at the power barge. The spillage affected an estimated area of 1,200 square meters
The explosion contaminated the coastal areas of approximately 23 communities in Iloilo City, Dumangas town in Iloilo province, and Guimaras.IMT
