The town of Pola in Oriental Mindoro was placed under a state of calamity as the oil spill from the sunken tanker continues to spread, Pola Mayor Jennifer Cruz announced on Friday.
In a radio interview, Cruz said Pola is one of the most affected areas as it is near the location where the MT Princess Empress submerged.
"Kung mapapansin ninyo siguro sa mga picture namin na inilabas, talagang nangingitim na 'yung dagat namin pati 'yung tabing dagat namin," she said.
"May namamatay na rin na isda," Cruz added.
She also said that their town's white sand is now turning black.
The Pola Mayor said she has prohibited the fishermen from going fishing.
Meanwhile, photos released by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) - Mimoropa showed that seabirds and fishes have died.
Citing data from the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Agriculture's Office (PAGO), PIA Mimaropa said 22 marine protected areas are getting damaged due to the oil spill.
Other towns that are affected by the incident are Naujan, Pinamalayan, Bansud, Bongabong, Roxas, and Mansalay.
The oil tanker, which carries 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil, sank in the vicinity of Tablas Island in Romblon on Tuesday morning, February 28.
According to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the vessel encountered engine trouble due to overheating.
