DA chief orders BFAR to assist fisherfolk affected by Bataan oil spill

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. 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 BFAR is currently assessing damaged areas to determine the kind and extent of assistance to be provided 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. 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,” Se. Tiu Laurel said.

The DA chief said 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 vessel’s valves have been sealed to ensure that no oil will not longer leak before salvage operations are undertaken. ###