Sara Duterte brings aid to Antique residents hit by oil spill

Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday led the relief operations for residents of  Caluya town in Antique who were affected by the massive oil spill from a submerged motor tanker.

In a press statement, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) said Duterte joined the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in distributing emergency cash assistance to the affected individuals through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation and the Relief for Individuals in Crisis and Emergencies.

The coastal town of Caluya was declared under a state of calamity after the oil leak reached its waters. Fishing activities in some islands of the municipality were suspended.

Motor tanker Princess Empress was carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil when it sank due to strong waves on February 28. All the 20 people on board were rescued.

The OVP said at least 7,617 families or 25,733 Individuals were affected in Caluya, at least 450 of whom are seaweed planters and 3,649 fisherfolk.

Apart from the cash aid, a total of 1,200 rice food boxes were also distributed in the identified payout sites. Affected residents were from Barangays Semirara, Tinogboc, Alegria and Sibolo, and Sitio Liwagao.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News