(Photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard)
By Trisha Casabar
Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor officially lifted the fishing ban in Naujan and Pinamalayan after motor tanker (MT) Princess Empress reportedly stopped leaking oil into the sea on June 16.
In a press briefing on Monday, June 26, on the oil spill in Mindoro, Dolor said the lifting of the ban followed consultations with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and is based on the study of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
“Ngayon araw na to officially kong nililift ang fishing ban sa bayan ng Naujan at bayan ng Pinamalayan… Ibig sabihin ang natitira na lamang na may fishing ban ay ang tapat ng bayan ng Pola o nasa sa loob ng 5-kilometer radius mula sa sentro [ng spill],” he said.
The provincial government has also lifted the ban on water sports and tourism activities in the towns of Naujan and Pinamalayan.
The fishing ban was earlier lifted in the towns of Bongabong, Roxas, Mansalay, Bulalacao, Baco, San Teodoro, and Puerto Galera.
Fisherfolk from Calapan, Gloria, and Bansud have already resumed their fishing activities.
Dolor said they have yet to wait for the results of new tests on the waters of Pola within two weeks.
Last week, the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployed in the sunken vessel’s site confirmed that the MT Princess Empress’ tank has been emptied out.
“Ayon sa pinakahuling pagsilip ng ROV, wala nang laman. Yung mga natitirang konti-konting oil sa gilid na lumalabas, ito’y doon na lang nanggagaling sa mga natira. Sa mga openings, sa gilid, pero totally wala nang laman ang tanker,” Dolor said.
He added that the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has already certified that all coastal areas in Oriental Mindoro are “100% acceptably clean.” –ag
