By New Washington, Aklan – A recent oil spill incident on May 26 has severely affected the fisherfolk and residents of New Washington, Aklan, leading to contaminated seawater, fish mortality, environmental destruction, and economic loss. The spill originated from a non-operational barge of Metallica Shipyard in Barangay Polo, as confirmed by the Coast Guard’s investigation.
Reports attribute the spill to damage caused by Typhoon Aghon, which compromised the barge undergoing maintenance, resulting in the rupture of an oil container. The spilled oil quickly spread across key sites including Barangay Polo, Sitio Malogo, Kamingawan, Lagatik, Barangay Poblacion, and Sitio Kamangahan in Barangay Tambak, affecting the Batan Estuary area known for its rich fishing grounds and oyster farming.
In response to the crisis, Mayor Jessica Panambo issued an executive order immediately halting fishing activities near Metallica Shipyard. A thorough inspection conducted on May 28, involving agencies such as BFAR, MAO, MENRO, and Philippine Coast Guard, confirmed initial containment of the spill.
The incident has significantly endangered the livelihoods of approximately 5,000 fishermen and residents reliant on the local marine ecosystem, based on the Municipal Fisheries Profile of New Washington.
Efforts to mitigate the spill’s impact have been ongoing. Two weeks after the oil spill occurred, Mayor Panambo lifted the fishing ban on June 6 following clearance from DENR – Western Visayas for Lagatik River, signifying the area’s suitability for fishing activities. The Philippine Coast Guard reported recovering over 6,700 liters of spilled oil in affected barangays.
Despite ongoing investigations by the Aklan Coast Guard Station to identify responsible parties, Metallica Shipyard has pledged full cooperation and responsibility for all related expenses. Said company also assured to help the affected fisherfolk.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has extended assistance to 432 affected families.
Pamalakaya–Panay has urged the Aklan provincial government to ensure sufficient aid allocation, leveraging local resources to support affected residents and mitigate further economic and environmental fallout from the spill in New Washington./PT
