Harsh fumes from the bunker fuel that spilled from a power barge in Barangay Bo. Obrero, Lapuz district pose serious health threats, the Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development in Western Visayas cautioned coastal residents adversely affected by the July 3 oil spill. “Affected families and individuals in Bo. Obrero and nearby areas are advised to stay away from the area especially if oil is evident,” according to Dr. May Ann Soliva-Sta. Lucia, head of DOH-6’s health emergency management staff. The latest Philippine Coast Guard estimate of the volume of bunker oil that spilled out of the ruptured tank of AC Energy’s power barge in Bo. Obrero was at 251,000 liters, reaching as far as Guimaras’ coastal barangays and the northern coastal towns of Leganes and Dumangas in Iloilo province.

Sornito, I. (2020, July 9). Health hazard: DOH warns of adverse health effects from oil spill. Panay News, pp. 1, 14.