By Ernie Manio, ABS-CBN News Southern Tagalog
Posted at 07/06/2010 8:46 AM | Updated as of 07/06/2010 11:41 AM
BATANGAS, Philippines – Covered in black sheen, the shores of Barangay Talibayog in the municipality of Calatagan, has been marred by an oil spill since Sunday.
Rodrigo de Jesus, chairman of Bantay Dagat Calatagan, said the oil must have come from the cargo vessels that passed the municipal waters.
“Siguro naghuhugas ng barko. Ito ang matagal na naming problema kung saan hindi namin alam kung sino ang gumagawa,” said De Jesus.
What made matters worse are the newly-planted mangroves that absorbed the oil. According to de Jesus, the mangroves will die a few days from now.
Aside from these, fishermen are worried because they have been deprived of any catch because of the oil spill.
Residents also complained that they are having difficulty breathing due to the strong smell of the spilled oil from the vessels.
De Jesus said it may take a month for the shore to fully wash out the spilled oil.
