Oil has been discovered along the shores of Tanza in Cavite, prompting concerns from local fisherfolk who believe the spill originated from the sunken oil tanker MT Terra Nova.
On Monday, July 29, the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) released videos and photos showing oil traces along Tanza's coastline.
PAMALAKAYA Vice Chairperson Ronnel Arambulo expressed alarm, stating, “Our fears have happened; the oil has spread to Manila Bay and threatens the livelihood of many fisherfolk. In Tanza alone, over 5,000 fisherfolk will be affected if the oil is not contained.”
The group noted that local fisherfolk are still struggling to recover from the effects of Super Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon, with authorities failing to address the scale of the spill effectively.
Last Sunday, July 28, environmental group Greenpeace Philippines reported that oil had also reached Hagonoy in Bulacan, based on aerial footage.
However, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) contested this claim, stating they did not observe oil in the area during their visit at the time.
Later that night, the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) confirmed that the oil spill was projected to affect both Bulacan and Cavite.
Their report highlighted that oil slick sightings and forecasted wind changes indicated potential contamination of these coastal areas.
The PCG had initially planned to siphon the oil from the sunken tanker, but adverse weather conditions have hindered this effort.
A recent diving operation confirmed that the tanker is leaking its cargo of oil.
Another vessel containing diesel cargo sank in Mariveles, Bataan, with some of its fuel tanks reported as leaking but capped by PCG personnel.
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