President Marcos Forms Task Force to Manage Bataan Oil Spill Crisis

LIMAY, BATAAN – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has established an inter-agency task force to address the environmental and community impact of the recent oil spill from the M/T Terra Nova, which sank off the coast of Limay, Bataan. The task force is set to lead a comprehensive response involving multiple government agencies.

According to Philippines News Agency, which will head the task force, the group includes the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Additional members are the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), each playing a specific role in managing the aftermath. President Marcos has directed the DENR to work with the DOH to conduct essential water and air quality tests, while the DOH is tasked with monitoring the health conditions of the affected residents.

The PCG is evaluating the condition of the sunken vessel, which was carrying approximately 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel. Meanwhile, the DILG is coordinating with local government units to ensure an organized response. The DOLE is set to initiate livelihood programs for those impacted, and the DSWD will provide necessary aid.

During a situation briefing, PCG Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan updated President Marcos, stating that the oil spill involves the ship’s fuel, not its cargo, and confirmed the vessel’s integrity is still intact. Further concerns were raised by Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando about oil sightings in Pamarawan, Bulacan, which are currently under verification by DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga.

The task force will also collaborate with Oriental Mindoro Governor Bonz Dolor to integrate successful strategies from previous oil spill responses. Additionally, non-government organizations will be engaged to assist with the situation. President Marcos emphasized the urgency of deploying organic spill booms and integrating local volunteers into the response efforts, particularly for creating and deploying these booms.