LIBERTAD, Misamis Oriental — Local government units (LGUs) in the municipalities of Libertad and Naawan have issued a temporary advisory urging fishermen to refrain from fishing activities in affected coastal areas following an oil spill incident that has raised concerns over public health, marine life, and local livelihoods.
The advisory specifically covers the coastal waters of Barangay Dulong in Libertad, where traces of oil contamination were earlier reported. Authorities said the precautionary measure aims to protect residents from potential exposure to contaminated seafood and polluted waters.
According to local officials, the oil spill was first reported on April 2, 2026, prompting an immediate response from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), particularly its Marine Environmental Protection Enforcement and Response Group–Northern Mindanao (MEPERG-NM).
Rapid Response and Containment
Upon receiving the report, PCG response teams, in coordination with Coast Guard Sub-Station Libertad, swiftly deployed containment measures along the affected shoreline in Purok 2, Barangay Dulong. These included the installation of oil spill booms, use of absorbent pads, and manual recovery operations to limit the spread of the oil.
Initial cleanup operations yielded approximately 350 kilograms of oil-contaminated debris and around 515 liters of oily mixture. These were secured in proper containers for safe disposal in accordance with environmental standards.
Authorities emphasized that the swift response helped prevent further damage to the coastal ecosystem and nearby communities dependent on fishing.
Health and Environmental Safeguards
The LGUs of Libertad and Naawan underscored that the temporary fishing ban is a preventive step to safeguard public health. Residents have been strongly advised to comply with the directive and remain vigilant while authorities continue to assess the situation.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), has also conducted water quality assessments in the affected coastal waters to determine the extent of contamination and ensure environmental safety.
Local disaster and environmental offices, including the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), have joined efforts in addressing the incident.
Situation Under Control, Monitoring Continues
As of April 5, authorities reported no visible oil sheen or foul odor in the affected waters, indicating that the situation is under control. However, continuous monitoring is being conducted to ensure that no residual contamination poses risks to marine life or human health.
An investigation is currently underway to determine the source and cause of the oil spill. Coordination meetings among stakeholders—including local officials, environmental agencies, and barangay leaders—are ongoing to strengthen response measures and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Call for Public Cooperation
The Philippine Coast Guard called on coastal residents and stakeholders to remain vigilant and immediately report any signs of oil contamination, such as discoloration or unusual odor in the water.
Authorities stressed that community cooperation is crucial in mitigating the impact of marine pollution and ensuring the safety of both the environment and the people who depend on it.
Further updates are expected as monitoring and investigation efforts continue.