The oil spill from the tanker MT Princess Empress that sank in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on Feb. 28 has reached Batangas City, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Batangas station confirmed Monday.
PCG Batangas station commander Capt. Victorino Acosta said the oil slick was sighted in Verde Island Monday morning.
A team from the PCG has already proceeded to the area, he added.
Verde Island is one of the country’s marine reserves and has been described as being at the heart of the global center of marine biodiversity. It is located in the Verde Island Passage, which provides food and livelihood, among others to over two million locals, according to the Conservation International Philippines.
“The strait is the backbone of the local economy, thriving upon coastal tourism, fisheries, and as a shipping route to the international ports of Batangas, Manila and Subic Bay,” it noted in its website.
Marine experts are urging authorities to address the incident before the amihan season ends as the northeast monsoon helped control the oil spill.
Latest government data showed that over 32,000 families, or more than 149,000 individuals have been affected by the oil slick. Meanwhile, 189 residents got sick due to the spill.