VIGAN CITY, Philippines – Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis Singson yesterday also ordered an investigation into the oil spill that has spread to many coastal towns in the province.
According to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, 600 sacks and 10 drums of bunker fuel have been collected so far by volunteers and residents in the waters of Candon City and Santiago town.
The oil spill has affected the livelihood of fishermen, many of whom have stopped fishing, the council said.
Also affected by the spillage are the towns of Tagudin, Sta. Cruz, Sta. Lucia, San Esteban, Sta. Maria, and Narvacan and several coastal areas in the first district.
Singson wants to make those responsible for the oil spill to account for the environmental and economic disaster the incident has brought to the province.
Earlier reports blamed the oil spill, which has also spread to La Union and Ilocos Norte, on a Myanmar vessel that sank off Bolinao town in Pangasinan.