Press Release - Tolentino to BFAR: be proactive in assisting fishers affected by oil spill

Senate Majority Leader Francis 'Tol' Tolentino has called on the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to be proactive in engaging and assisting fishers displaced by the massive oil spill from the ill-fated MT Terranova.

Tolentino made the appeal during his interview with Fernando Hicap, chairperson of the fishers' organization, PAMALAKAYA on the senator's daily radio program, 'Usapang Tol.'

"I hope BFAR will be proactive in assisting our fishers and engaging with them on what needs to be done," Tolentino told Hicap.

According to Hicap, many fishers have lost their livelihood due to the oil spill, and the consequent fishing ban imposed by several local governments.

"If they can't fish, they can't eat. With many fishing grounds affected by the oil spill and fishing ban, then what will happen to our livelihood?" Hicap asked.

Previously, BFAR announced that it would provide fuel subsidies to affected fishermen, but Hicap stated that this was insufficient, because what their sector needs are alternative sources of income.

In response, Tolentino stressed the importance of continuous dialogue between BFAR and fishers' organizations.

Tolentino has filed Senate Resolution No. 1048, which seeks to conduct a Senate inquiry on the cause, extent, and impact of the oil spill caused by the sunken tanker.

The BFAR earlier declared that fish caught from affected coastal areas as unsafe for consumption. The agency also estimated that the disaster could displace over 46,000 fishers based in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and the National Capital Region.

On a related issue, the senator noted reports indicating that MT Terranova is an unregistered vessel.

"What if this incident did not happen? Then we probably would not have known that MT Terranova is unregistered," remarked the senator, who also chairs the Senate Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones.

"What business does it have in transporting materials that could potentially harm our seas when it does not have the proper permits? All of these will come to light during the investigation," he concluded.

MT Terranova, kolorum nga ba?

BFAR, kinalampag ni Tol: maging proactive sa pagtulong sa mga