Oriental Mindoro town under state of calamity after oil spill

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 3) — The town of Pola in Oriental Mindoro is under a state of calamity after an oil spill in waters off the province, Mayor Jennifer Cruz confirmed to CNN Philippines.

No further details were provided as of writing.

The Philippine Coast Guard first reported the oil spill on Tuesday after a tanker was found partially submerged.

The oil spill has affected 80% of the 34 marine protected areas in one city and nine towns in the province, namely Calapan City, Naujan, Pola, Pinamalayan, Gloria, Bansud, Bongabong, Roxas, Mansalay, and Bulalacao.

The slick has also affected the livelihood of over 10,000 fisherfolk in Pinamalayan, Gloria, Bansud, Bongabong, Roxas, and Mansalay.