PCG steps up oil spill cleanup in Oriental Mindoro

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is continuing cleanup efforts in Oriental Mindoro following an oil spill from the MT Princess Empress, which sank on February 28 with 800,000 liters of industrial fuel.

The PCG has installed oil spill booms and conducted containment and recovery operations near Naujan town, the suspected location of the sunken vessel.

Coastal cleanup operations have resulted in the collection of 92 sacks of oiled debris, sea grasses, and used oil absorbent pads.

On Friday, March 10, the PCG conducted a simultaneous massive cleanup in Naujan and Pola following an order from Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu to "step up" operations.

PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo stated that the cleanup was limited to two hours per person due to health hazards, but significant progress was made due to high participation.

The oil spill has caused massive damage to a mangrove area and fish sanctuaries in Pola, severely affecting residents' livelihoods, particularly fishermen who are currently in their fishing season.