Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. on Wednesday ordered the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to assist fisherfolk affected by the oil spill from a sunken vessel off the coast of Limay, Bataan.
The DA chief said the BFAR is assessing damaged areas to determine the kind and extent of assistance it will provide to affected fisherfolk. BFAR has engaged third-party laboratories to test water samples around the sunken ship to determine the presence of oil and grease, including harmful contaminants called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
“For now we can only give fuel vouchers so fishermen can go to nearby fishing grounds,” said Sec. Tiu Laurel.
“I also asked BFAR to coordinate with DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) so the agency can also give food packs to affected fisherfolk,” he added.
The DA chief said the BFAR is also providing dispersants to help treat the oil that leaked from MT Terranova which sank in the waters off Limay, Bataan. MT Terranova was transporting 1.4 liters of industrial fuel when it capsized. The Coast Guard said the vesel’s valves have been sealed to ensure against oil leaks before salvage operations are undertaken.
