Oil spill threatens 24,000 hectares of Oriental Mindoro coral reefs

Over 24,000 hectares of coral reef in Oriental Mindoro are at risk due to an oil spill from the MT Princess Empress, which sank on February 28 carrying 800,000 liters of industrialized fuel oil.

The affected area is estimated to be 1.5 times the size of Quezon City, with the oil reportedly reaching the coastal towns of Naujan, Pola, and Pinamalayan.

Marine experts from UP Diliman and other agencies are collaborating to manage the spill.

The spread of the oil is being exacerbated by strong winds and waves, potentially reaching Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro, and San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

The Philippine Coast Guard is working to identify the type of oil, which will influence the extent of the spill and the response measures needed.

Model forecasts indicate the oil spill could reach some vicinity waters of northern Palawan, potentially affecting over 36,000 hectares of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass across Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, and Antique.

Sightings of oil slick have been reported in Cuyo Island and Caluya town in Antique, though confirmation from laboratory results is pending.