By Gabriela Baron
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) retracted its earlier confirmation that an oil spill from Mindoro Oriental reached Verde Island in Batangas.
READ MORE: Oil spill reaches Verde Island in Batangas
In a message to reporters, PCG Spokesperson Armando Balilo said Verde Island is “negative” of oil spill traces.
This after PCG conducted an aerial inspection at Verde Island Monday afternoon, March 20.
“During the aerial inspection from [1:00 p.m.] to [4:00 p.m.], the PCG confirmed that Verde Island and its vicinity waters no longer have traces of an oil spill,” PCG said.
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.” – cf
