The oil spill could reach the Verde Island Passage by the end of the week due to the eastern winds, based on projections from 17 to 26 March. Catholic seafarers organization Stella Maris Philippines on Friday called for tighter policies and measures to prevent future oil spills in Philippine waters, reflecting on the lessons brought by the sinking of the MT Princess Empress and the subsequent oil spill since 28 February. This developed as the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute on Wednesday reported a possible oil slick on ocean waters off Oriental Mindoro, citing a Tuesday report by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association.

Navarro, D., Murcia, A., & Ayeng, R. (2023, March 25). Drive to save Verde Island: Oil spill a lesson at preserving nature, says maritime group. Daily Tribune, pp. A1, A2.