Oil level in Boracay beaches 'worrisome'

BORACAY, Philippines (Xinhua) - The oil level in the waters of Boracay has reached exceeded the acceptable level and may continue to increase due to the expected influx of tourists in the coming days, an environment official said.

The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources disclosed that based on its latest monitor, the oil level in Boracay is currently at more than two milligrams per meter.

"While coliform level in this resort island has significantly been reduced, we are worried about the oil level we found in the beaches here. It's still safe to swim in Boracay's waters but the expected increase in tourists due to the summer season could cause the oil level to rise," said EMB regional director Samson Guillergan in an interview.

Guillergan said among the factors that led to the increase in the oil level in the beaches are the dumping of vegetable oil from food establishments and residential areas, waste water from the bancas, and various water sports activities.

He urged tourists and residents in the area to help maintain the good quality of the beaches of Boracay.