The estimated cost of damage from the Bataan oil spill in Cavite has soared to P1 billion. According to a “24 Oras Weekend” report by Bernadette Reyes on Saturday, fish stalls in Noveleta, Cavite, have shut down due to the spill’s impact.
Fish and shellfish retailers reported weakened sales, prompting some mussel sellers to cook their products to prove they were safe to consume.
“Even if we say that the bangus or tilapia we are selling came from fishponds, they just don’t want to try eating them,” a fish seller shared.
Cavite has been declared a no-catch zone for fish and shellfish. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is still awaiting sample test results from the province.
“There is something like a certain degree to which, if you ingest something, your body cannot take it. There is an issue of food safety; if there is a smell, we really have an advisory not to eat it,” said BFAR officer-in-charge Isidro Velayo Jr.
Affected fishermen are seeking alternative sources of income during the ban. Meanwhile, BFAR has been distributing relief goods to those impacted. The Cavite provincial government reported that there are 25,000 fishermen in the province.
“The LGU is preparing on how to prolong the aid we will give them. Every week, we will give assistance,” said Noveleta Mayor Dino Chua.
The MT Terranova, carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil, sank off the coast of Limay, Bataan, on July 25. Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla stated that an oil slick from the sunken tanker has reached several coastal barangays in the province.