THE water samples collected and analyzed from the ten municipalities of Oriental Mindoro and one Antique municipality affected by the oil spill from sunken MT Princess Empress continue to show minimum levels of oil and grease.

In its Oriental Mindoro Oil Spill Bulletin No. 01, Series of 2023, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported that the said level is “still within the standard” stated by the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources in Administrative Order 2016-08 for fishing areas (<3.0 mg/L oil and grease).

Meanwhile, the fish samples collected and analyzed from the same areas on March 4 to 5 showed low-level contaminants or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). PAH, which is harmful to humans and other living organisms, may accumulate in the flesh of marine organisms over time.

The BFAR disclosed that the results were consistent with its findings in its first batch of analyses – that is, minimal amounts of oil and grease and PAH levels were present in fish and seafood from the said areas.

However, the BFAR said the fishing ban in the 11 municipalities, namely Bansud, Bongabong, Bulalacao, Calapan, Gloria, Mansalay, Naujan, Pinamalayan, Pola, and Roxas and Caluya, Antique is still in effect since the initial analyses are not yet conclusive evidence as far as food safety is concerned.

The samples were collected during the early days of March, making the current situation unknown due to the possibility that the spill had spread further due to ocean currents and wind direction, and more PAHs may have accumulated in marine organisms.

The BFAR assured that it will continuously analyze and monitor the area to establish time-series results on the impact of the oil spill with regard to food safety.

It added that the succeeding analyses should be considered to ensure seafood is safe for public consumption.

“Rest assured that the Bureau is fast-tracking the laboratory analyses without compromising the accuracy of data, which serves as the basis for its recommendations. Findings and recommendations will be shared [with] the public and concerned government offices as soon as data becomes available,” the BFAR added.

Moreover, the BFAR has been assisting LGUs (LGUs), especially the provincial government of Oriental Mindoro, in terms of relief and livelihood aid since the onset of the oil spill.

To date, the Bureau has already allocated P4.4 million worth of livelihood assistance in the form of post-harvest technology packages, which will benefit ten fisherfolk associations and cooperatives or 689 families. About P1.5 million was also earmarked for the provision of food assistance to 5,000 affected fisherfolk in MIMAROPA, while P580,500 was spent to help displaced fishing groups in Western Visayas.

In addition, the Bureau has deployed monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) vessels, as well as PPE sets and other materials for clean-up activities.

Additional interventions are also being prepositioned based on rehabilitation proposals from the oil spill-hit areas.