BFAR: Continue fishing ban in Oriental Mindoro due to oil spill

BFAR recommends continuing the suspension of fishing activities in oil spill-affected areas in Oriental Mindoro.

Initial tests show traces of petroleum products, particularly oil and grease, in water samples and low-level contaminants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in fish samples.

PAH is harmful to humans and other living organisms and may accumulate in the flesh of fish over time.

BFAR advises local government units to heed this recommendation for public safety.

The agency has allocated PHP6.4 million for livelihood and relief assistance to aid around 19,000 affected fishers.

Further sampling and analyses are being conducted as the oil spill has reached neighboring areas like Caluya in Antique and some municipalities in Palawan.