An oil spill from the sunken oil motor tanker (MT) Terra Nova has led to a state of calamity being declared in 21 areas across Bataan and Cavite as of August 7, 2024, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC).
The oil tanker, carrying 1.5 million liters of industrial oil, sank off Bataan on July 25.
On July 24, at approximately 10:57 p.m., the oil tanker MT Terra Nova, which was being towed by MTug Procyon towards an anchorage area, began to list off Lokanin Point, Bataan.
The vessel fully capsized the next morning around 1:10 a.m. near Lamao Point in Limay.
As a result of the spill, a state of calamity has been declared in 12 areas in Bataan and 9 areas in Cavite, namely:
- Cavite City,
- Bacoor,
- Kawit,
- Noveleta,
- Rosario,
- Tanza,
- Naic,
- Maragondon; and,
- Ternate.
The spill has impacted approximately 25,145 farmers and fisherfolk.
Efforts to manage the spill and mitigate its effects continues, with various government agencies working together to address the immediate needs of affected communities and restore environmental conditions.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) held a press briefing on August 2 to update the public on the response efforts and manage inquiries about the oil spill.
The Department of Health (DOH) coordinated groundwater sample testing from affected areas and worked with various health agencies to strategize response measures for the oil spill.
They also recommended that those living in the areas affected seek temporary accommodation away from the spill site until it is cleaned fully.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) conducted geochemical analyses, and engaged experts to assist in the oil spill response.
The Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) monitored air and water quality, deployed oil absorbent pads, and established production sites for organic spill booms.
In Tarlac, the sites include San Jose, which serves areas in Aurora, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija. In Pampanga, the Lubao site is responsible for production, covering Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, and Bulacan.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) allocated P2 million in standby funds and prepositioned 110,255 food packs for affected families.
Meanwhile the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed various assets for oil spill containment and clean-up, including inflatable booms, oil dispersants, and conducting aerial surveillance and coastal clean-ups.
In Bicol, the local government of San Fernando, Camarines Sur, collected coconut husks to aid in the cleanup of the oil spill, as these fibers have proven effective in absorbing oil from water.
In a related story, a youth group in Lipa City, Batangas, visited several hair salons to collect hair clippings to aid in the cleanup of the oil spill.
