PAH found in fish samples from oil spill-hit Oriental Mindoro

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), which are low-level contaminants, were discovered in fish samples from oil spill-affected areas in Oriental Mindoro, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

BFAR collected fish samples from various municipalities in Oriental Mindoro to determine seafood safety and inform decisions on fishing bans.

While PAH can be harmful to humans and accumulate in fish flesh over time, BFAR stated that current results are not yet conclusive regarding food safety.

Further sampling and analysis are ongoing to establish time-series results, considering the oil spill's reach to neighboring areas like Caluya, Antique, and some municipalities of Palawan.

BFAR advises the permanent suspension of fishing operations in the affected Oriental Mindoro locations for public safety.

The country's fisheries sector is losing P5 million daily due to the oil spill, impacting around 19,000 fishermen.

BFAR has allocated an initial budget of P6.4 million for livelihood and humanitarian support, including P1.5 million worth of food packages distributed to affected individuals.