ILOILO City – Tourists are advised to refrain from water activities in oil spill-affected areas in Caluya, Antique.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 6 director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez released an advisory on this on Sunday, March 5.
The oil spill, from the sunken MT Princess Empress in Oriental Mindoro, has spread to four areas in Caluya:
* Barangay Alegria
* Sitio Liwagao, Barangay Sibolo
* Sitio Sabang, Barangay Tinogboc
* Semirara island
“DOT Region VI also recommends all tourists on the island of Boracay, especially in Barangay Yapak, to take precautionary measures and provide timely updates if there are sightings of or indicators that the oil spill has reached the area,” read part of the advisory.
Barangay Yapak is facing the Caluya Group of Islands.
Rodriguez also reminded local government units and tourism establishments in the identified areas to provide assistance to affected tourists and ensure their health and safety.
On Sunday afternoon, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Western Visayas spokesperson, Lieutenant Commander Jansen Benjamin, said the oil spill is less likely to reach Boracay Island due to wind direction.
“Boracay is on the east side. So most likely itong group of islands sa Caluya ang maapektohan,” he said./PN
