Oil spill shoreline cleanup in Pola 80% done, Najuan at 74%

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday reported 80.71% and 74.82% “shoreline cleanup completeness” in oil spill-hit towns Pola and Naujan in Oriental Mindoro as of Wednesday.

In a statement, the PCG said at least 28 of the 34 kilometers of affected shoreline in Pola and five out of seven kilometers in Naujan have already been cleaned up.

The PCG came up with the Day 59 Summary Report through the follow-up survey in the following barangays:

Pola

• Misong
• Tagumpay
• Puting Caco
• Tiguihan
• Bayanan
• Zone 1
• Zone 2
• Batuhan
• Calima
• Buhay na Tubig
• Bacawan

Naujan

• Masaguing
• Herrera

The PCG has also declared Barangay Tiguihan, Barangay Zone 1, and Barangay Zone 2 in Pola 100% clean.

Meanwhile, seven kilometers of shoreline in Pola and almost two kilometers in Naujan remain contaminated with oil, according to the PCG.

Concerned government agencies and stakeholders are conducting Phase 2 and 3 of shoreline cleanup by flushing, pressure washing on hard surfaces, pebble washing, and manual cleaning, the PCG said.

The PCG keeps monitoring the vicinity's waters for possible new oil sightings.

Earlier, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said marine resources worth P7 billion were possibly exposed to the oil spill.

Damage to agriculture worth P3,882,090,459 was also reported.

As of Thursday, a total of 193,436 people or 40,897 families in 205 barangays were affected by the oil spill, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

At least 211 people fell ill due to the oil spill, the NDRRMC said.

State of calamity was declared in 15 cities and municipalities due to the oil spill, the NDRRMC said.

MT Princess Empress was carrying 900,000 liters of industrial fuel oil when it sank off Naujan due to strong waves on February 28. All the 20 people on board were rescued. —VAL, GMA Integrated News