By Gabriela Baron
The Mindoro Oriental oil spill caused by the sunken motor tanker (MT) Princess Empress reached Verde Island in Batangas, a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) official confirmed Monday, March 20.
PCG Admiral Artemio Abu said he immediately ordered the flight of a chopper to Verde Island to inspect the situation.
“Mayroon na tayong coordination naman sa [local government unit] na mga bayan o coastal areas kung saan posibleng makarating ‘yang oil spill,” Abu said.
“So on our part, may nakarating sa amin na information na mayroon nga raw sightings,” he added.
MT Princess Empress was carrying 800,000 liters of industrial oil when it submerged on Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on Feb. 28.
According to the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute, the oil is still leaking out of the capsized vessel.
Verde Island Passage is one of the most productive ecosystems in the world, according to Conservation International.
The Island provides food, livelihoods, and other benefits to over two million people.
It is also recognized as “the center of global shore-fish biodiversity” and “home to charismatic species, such as whale sharks, sea turtles, nudibranchs, and an impressive array of corals.” With reports from Joshua Garcia – cf
