Final cleanup ops for Oriental Mindoro oil spill would take 20 to 30 days — NTF

The National Tasl Force (NTF) Oil Spill on Thursday said all is set now for the final cleanup operations in Oriental Mindoro which would take 20 to 30 days.

In a statement, the NTF said it is expecting  a transition to rehabilitation and normalcy after such period.

“The last stage of the cleanup operations would take around 20 to 30 days if the weather permits, after which the rehabilitation and final transition to normalcy would begin in the next few days,” it said.

According to the NTF, the Dynamic Support Vessel “Fire Opal" has started siphoning operations to remove the remaining oil from sunken MT Princess Empress.

Out of the 79.33 kilometers of affected coastlines, 66.433 km or 83.74% had been “acceptably cleaned,” while 12.89 km or 16.26% still needs to undergo cleanup operations.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development said over P611 million worth of assistance has been provided to affected individuals that includes family food packs, nonfood items, emergency cash transfers, and cash-for-work aid.

More than P476 million worth of assistance has been provided by different government agencies, the NTF said.

As of Thursday, the NTF said the oil spill has left a total of P58,137,124.00 worth of damage and losses to fisheries. The oil spill has also affected more than 27, 500 fisherfolk.

More than 42,400 families had been affected coming from the 107 areas of Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Antique and Batangas, according to the NTF.

Fifteen local government units have declared a state of calamity in their respective areas. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News