The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Tuesday said it is monitoring the potential marine biodiversity effects of the reported oil spillage off the coast of Naujan in Oriental Mindoro.
In a statement, it said that is also tracking the possible risks to the health and livelihood of the affected residents who are living nearby the shore.
"The DENR is continuously coordinating with the local government of Naujan and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)," DENR said.
"As of this time, the vessel is positioned on the eastern side of Mindoro Island at an estimated distance of 8 to 12 nautical miles. Wind direction is northwards," the environment department said.
Meanwhile, in a statement on Wednesday, PCG said its aviation force had just conducted aerial surveillance at Naujan to assess oil spillage on the shore.
"Nagpapatuloy ang oil spill assessment ng PCG katuwang ang MALAYAN TOWAGE na kinontrata ng RDC REIELD MARINE SERVICES INC. (shipping company) para tumulong sa oil spill response operation," it said.
According to the Coast Guard, it will deploy Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Habagat (TB-271) to serve as its marine pollution platform.
The PCG said it is also set to establish a crisis management committee that will be tasked with the investigation of the incident.
