People downed by oil spill nearing 2,000
The number of people experiencing health problems related to the oil spill in Guimaras continue to rise, over a month since the disaster began Aug. 11.
As of 10 am September 19, there were 1,724 people diagnosed with signs and symptoms of illnesses related to the oil spill, according to a status report by the Task Force Solar 1 Oil Spill (SOS) of the same date. Residents of the affected barangays in Guimaras account for almost all, numbering about 1,645. The remaining number comes from Iloilo.
The figures show a rising trend of people sickened by the country's worst oil spill. The regional office of the Department of Health, however, clarified that the increase in the number may also be due to the fact that sometimes a person exhibits two or more symptoms.
In the September 12 status report, the number of sick people was placed at 1,414. On September 8, there were only 985; 677 as of September 5; and 329 as of August 25.
"Signs and symptoms of respiratory illness remained to be the main common conditions reported during the consultations, which is 57.93% out of 1,645 cumulative total of signs and symptoms," the status report states. The report further provides that 10 persons have been admitted in two hospitals in Guimaras. The report, however, does not provide the names.
Authorities have confirmed two oil-spill related deaths so far--that of Remelio Dalida and Alejandro Castillo, of Nueva Valencia and Sibunag towns, respectively. According to DOH regional director Lydia Depra-Ramos, toxic fumes from the oil spill has exarcebated the already bad conditions of the two casualties.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resource has conducted a second test to determine the quality of ambient air in the affected area. The results have yet to be released.
Health authorities continue to conduct weekly health assessments of those directly involved in the coastal clean up. A total of 1,972 workers and residents from eight barangays undertook medical check up, according to the Task Force SOS.
Ramos noted that most of those experiencing oil-spill related health problems were those actually involved in the shoreline clean up operations.
Health experts have warned that prolonged exposure to the bunker fuel adversely affects the health. In line with this, workers are only allowed a maximum of five hours for the clean up. A 'no proper protective equipment, no work' policy was also set in place to avoid further health problems. Immunizations and distribution of vitamins were also conducted in the affected areas.
Environmental group clarifies 'fish ban'
Meanwhile, an environmental group clarified that it did not lobby for a fishing ban in Guimaras because of the oil spill.
"At no point was there any discussion (or mention made) of the concept of fishing ban. Anywhere in the Philippines; such a concept strikes against the founding principles for which Coral Cay Conservation (CCC) stands," CCC founder and chief executive officer Peter Raines clarified in a September 18 e-mail to Rafael Coscolluela, oil spill incident commander.
Copies of the letter were distributed to members of the media during yesterday's regular press briefing by the Task Force SOS.
The letter made mention of two news reports about the visit of President Arroyo to London, during which she was reported to have announced a fishing ban in Guimaras.
"What I can confirm as accurate and true is CCC's offer of assistance in the area of coral reef assessment and baseline surveys," Raines added.