Oil spill from sunken tanker may reach Palawan

Experts warn that an oil spill from a sunken motor tanker off Naujan, Mindoro may spread southwards towards Caluya Island in Antique and reach Cuyo Islands in Palawan by Tuesday.

The University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) projects the spill could affect over 36,000 hectares of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass across Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, and Antique.

Two coastal barangays in Palawan have already reported sightings of oil residue, consistent with UP-MSI's projections.

UP MSI Associate Professor Irene Rodriguez noted rough sea conditions could increase the spread of the slick.

Coastal communities along the eastern and southern sides of Oriental Mindoro, Caluya Island in Antique, and Cuyo Island in Palawan are especially at risk.