Effect of Mindoro oil spill reaches Taytay town in Palawan

The effects of the oil spill from the sunken MT Princess Empress in Oriental Mindoro may already be seen in Barangay Casian in Taytay, Palawan—a town 159 nautical miles or 295 kilometers away from Naujan.

The municipality is located in Palawan's northern portion, an area known for its white sand beaches and tourist spots.

This development validated the observation of the Philippine Coast Guard and the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) that the oil spill was moving southwest to the direction of northern Palawan

The other towns in northern Palawan include El Nido, Coron, Busuanga, Linapacan, where many world-class beach resorts are lopcated.

While close to Oriental Mindoro, Boracay beach in Aklan is expected be spared from the oil spill.

"Based on projections and based on prevailing wind directions, Boracay will be spared [but] having said that, the other areas are equally important," Dr. Irene Rodriguez of the UP-MSI told GMA Integrated News.

Rodriguez said that the traces of oil found on the beach of Taytay may be dispersed oil and not oil slick.

"If you are seeing the oil slick, then it means [the] volume of oil on top of the water is high. Imagine the cooking oil [on top of] water. Yung oil slick would be that oil na liquid form na buo yung structure," Rodriguez said.

She added that dispersed oil is easier to clean.

"Ang difference lang nito, mas maliliit na yung particles. In terms of management or removal of oil particles mas madali," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said the weather had improved in the area making it easier to contain the oil slick.

"In the past 3 days, (wind velocity) was reduced by about half. Weather conditions are calmer compared to the first few days of March," Rodriguez said. —NB, GMA Integrated News