Authorities have launched an emergency cleanup operation after clumps of tar balls — hardened oil residues — were discovered along a 350-meter stretch of Boracay Island’s shoreline, raising alarm over potential threats to the island’s environment and tourism industry. The Philippine Coast Guard Sub-Station Boracay confirmed the discovery on April 26 and swiftly mobilized a coastal cleanup with support from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government unit of Malay, Aklan which has jurisdiction over the island, and other agencies.

Ladiao, M. T. (2025, May 1). Tar ball 'contaminates' Boracay shoreline; Authorities launch urgent cleanup drive. Panay News, pp. 3, 15.