DENR: 26 out of 35 sampling stations in Puerto Galera fail water quality standards

A total of 26 out of 35 sampling stations in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, have failed to meet the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' (DENR's) water quality standards due to high levels of oil and grease.

The results, released on April 14, 2023, indicate that only nine stations met the criteria set by the DENR Administrative Order 2016-08.

While the DENR disclosed the water quality test results, the Department of Health (DOH) will determine if water activities in the area should be banned.

Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga stated that ingestion of oil and grease poses a health concern, leaving the pronouncement on public health and safety to the DOH.

The DOH emphasized that these water quality test results are not conclusively linked to the oil spill from the MT Princess Empress, which capsized off the coast of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

The DENR is assessing the potential impact on marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs, using divers and an ROV.

It remains difficult to determine when the leakage from the sunken vessel will cease, with containment potentially expected within the month.