ILOILO City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas is adamant that all government agencies, especially the City Government, and several national government agencies in the region, will step-up efforts in mitigating the oil leak from Motor Tanker (M/T) Princess Empress that recently sank off the vicinity of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

Treñas has ordered the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) to extend all possible assistance and resources during an emergency hybrid multi-agency meeting held, March 4, 2023.

"Iloilo City will augment the personal protective equipment of the Philippine Coast Guard, and support agencies helping the efforts including helmets, face masks, gloves, and similar equipment," he said.

The PCG has reported during the meeting that the oil leak from M/T Princess Empress has already reached the province of Antique.

Treñas also called for united effort among local government units and national government agencies in protecting the environment in the region.

He has been communicating with Environment Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga on how Iloilo City can extend assistance and resources following the incident.

“We are calling for this meeting to help out, and to be prepared. We are not certain that agencies in the government are prepared for this, that's why we’re coming out to help,” he said.

Representatives from the University of the Philippines-Visayas scientific community also joined the meeting to explain environmental impacts of the oil spill on fish, mangrove and sea biodiversity.

M/T Princess Empress was carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel when it sank February 28. (PR)