The sunken MT Terra Nova caused an oil spill off Limay, Bataan. | Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard
MANILA, Philippines — Eight areas in Cavite were placed under a state of calamity after the oil spill from the sunken MT Terra Nova reached the province’s coastline, Governor Jonvic Remulla announced on Wednesday.
“The oil spill reached the coastal areas of Cavite. Affected are the municipalities of Bacoor, Kawit, Noveleta, Rosario, Tanza, Naic, Maragondon, and Ternate. As of today, the province is declaring a STATE OF CALAMITY in these areas,” Remulla said in Filipino in a Facebook post.
The MT Terra Nova, carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel, sank off Bataan early last Thursday, July 25.
On Saturday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that the oil from the sunken tank spread about 12 to 14 kilometers across Manila Bay.
In an interview with Teleradyo 630, Remulla described the situation of the coastline affected by the oil spill.
“Tanker fuel was released. It’s heavy. When it reached us [Cavite], it settled on the seabed in our area. That’s why all the shellfish, crabs, clams, and mussels were affected by the oil spill,” Remulla said.
Remulla declared a “no catch zone” for all shellfish in Cavite this week.
He added that the provincial government would distribute food and cash assistance to the 25,145 displaced fisherfolk.
In a statement on Monday, Pamalakaya Vice Chair Ronnel Arambulo expressed concern about the oil spill’s impact on the livelihood of fisherfolk.
“Our worst fear happened. The oil spill spread to Manila Bay and affected the livelihood of many fishermen,” Arambulo said in Filipino.
Remulla added that Cavite officials had started coordinating with national government agencies to help clean up the oil spill.