US Coast Guard to assist in Mindoro oil spill cleanup

The United States Coast Guard is set to assist the Philippines in the cleanup of the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro, with additional air assets scheduled to arrive later in the week.

According to a Sunday GTV News Live report, National Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Chair and Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the US Coast Guard will provide technical support for the clean-up operations.

A C-17 aircraft arrived at the Subic Airbase earlier on Sunday, with another air asset expected to arrive in the country on Monday, March 27, 2023.

This comes as motor tanker Princess Empress — which carried 900,000 liters of industrial fuel oil — sank in Balingawan Point due to strong waves on February 28. All 20 people on board were rescued.

The Philippine Coast Guard earlier said the motor tanker sank 400 meters into the ocean, which was too deep for divers to reach.

The Bureau of Fishers and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) last week said the oil spill could cause a lower fish output, but not to the extent of a nationwide shortage.

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said at least 61 tourist sites have been affected, with the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) warning that this could reach northern Palawan and threaten over 36,000 hectares of marine habitat. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/DVM, GMA Integrated News