Oil spill hits Oriental Mindoro fishing towns

An oil spill from a tanker off the coast of Oriental Mindoro has affected fishing livelihoods in Pola, leading the local government to seek alternative sources of income for fisherfolk.

Hundreds of fishermen have been ordered to stay on shore until it is safe to resume fishing, with authorities struggling to contain and clean up the spill.

The oil spill has impacted 11 coastal barangays in Pola, prompting a state of calamity declaration by Mayor Jennifer Cruz, who expressed concern over the loss of marine life and livelihoods.

Government responders are paying residents around P300 per day to help scoop oil and set up fence booms as the spill threatens mangroves.