DENR estimates oil spill damage at P7 billion

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) estimates potential environmental damage from the Oriental Mindoro oil spill to be around P7 billion.

This estimated cost covers the economic value of affected mangrove areas, seagrass beds, and coral reefs across three provinces.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that the cost of damage, including production losses among fisherfolk and farmers, has reached over P3.88 billion.

The NDRRMC also stated that 40,897 families, or 193,436 individuals, have been affected by the oil spill.

Mimaropa accounts for the bulk of the reported damage cost at approximately P3.75 billion.

DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga is actively assessing affected marine areas and examining criticisms about the slow pace of holding the oil tanker owners accountable.