Fishermen struggle as Bataan oil spill disrupts livelihoods
Members of PINSAMALA-Pangisda YoungBEAN, and the Nuclear/Coal-Free Bataan Movement stage a silent protest in Barangay Lamao, Limay, Bataan on Wednesday, July 31, amid the threats posed by the oil spill from a sunken tanker in the waters off the municipality. (Photo courtesy of YoungBEAN)
OLONGAPO CITY – Thousands of fishermen in Bataan province are struggling with the spreading oil spill from the sunken MT Terranova.
Fisherman Efren Dominico, 53, explained in a phone interview that limited fishing areas have made their lives difficult, yet they continue to fish about two kilometers from the shore.
“If we don’t go fishing, what about our family? They have enforced a fishing ban in the area near the sunken ship,” said Dominico, who is also the president of Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Mangingisda sa Lamao (PINSAMALA-Pangisda).
“The fish we caught earlier didn’t taste bad, but the problem now is that people are avoiding eating fish because they know about the oil spill, causing the price of fish to drop,” he added.
According to Dominico, fish sellers and tricycle drivers who transport the catch are also affected.
He said the oil spill is still minimal in their area but it has spread to Manila Bay, Bulacan, and Cavite due to the southwest wind. However, if the wind shifts north, the oil slick will surely reach their shoreline.
Members of PINSAMALA-Pangisda, YoungBEAN, and the Nuclear/Coal-Free Bataan Movement staged a silent protest in Barangay Lamao on Wednesday.
They expressed their current plight and demanded accountability from corporations and the government for the disaster caused by the oil spill.
The groups have also been calling for an immediate congressional investigation to create laws that will protect the environment and affected citizens.
They are also calling for a swift cleanup and rehabilitation of damaged areas and prompt assistance and compensation for the affected communities.
On July 25, the MT Terranova, which was carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel, capsized and sank about seven kilometers east of Lamao Point in Limay town, a prime fishing area.
On July 27, MTR Jason Bradley sank off Mariveles town while carrying 55,000 liters of diesel.
According to PANGISDA-Bataan, over the past 40 years, more than 300 major oil spills have occurred in Manila Bay and affected Bataan.
“Because this incident is not the first in our province, we know what will happen in the coming months,” said Edlyn Rosales, chairperson of PANGISDA-Bataan.
Rosales lamented that oil spills destroy the environment, devastate the lives of communities, and have long-term effects on the critical ecosystem of Manila Bay and the livelihoods of fishermen who rely on marine resources.
