Ilocos norte: The provincial government of Ilocos Norte, in collaboration with various agencies, has initiated assistance efforts for fisherfolk impacted by the recent oil spill from a cargo vessel that ran aground on June 8 in the waters off Badoc.

According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, along with the local government of Badoc, distributed family food packs to the affected fisherfolk in Barangay La Virgen Milagrosa on Wednesday. The governor emphasized that this is just the beginning of the assistance efforts, with the provincial government and other agencies committed to providing ongoing support to restore livelihoods and ensure a sustainable recovery.

Governor Araneta-Marcos expressed gratitude for the quick response of the uniformed personnel in containing the oil spill. Mayor Virgilio Calajate played a pivotal role by mobilizing local government resources and personnel to join forces with the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine National Police in the containment and removal efforts of the spilled oil, as well as in the ongoing coastal cleanup.

The collaborative response from multiple agencies has successfully recovered over 100 liters of oil mixture from a 15-meter stretch along the shoreline. Due to safety concerns, swimming and fishing activities have been temporarily restricted near the site of the capsized ship, which lies at the boundary of Dadalaquiten in Sinait, Ilocos Sur, and La Virgen Milagrosa in Badoc.

All 15 crew members from the vessel have been safely rescued and are currently residing in a rented house while repairs are underway. Authorities reported that the ship's ballast tanks were flooded by strong waves, necessitating an emergency beaching maneuver.