ILOILO CITY — The local government of New Washington in Aklan has ordered the suspension of fishing activities in several areas following an oil spill in Barangay Polo on Sunday.

The spill, traced to a vessel owned by Metallica Shipyard, released an estimated 150 liters of oil to the sea, according to the Philippine Coast Guard Sub-Station in Dumaguit.

The local government said the oil spill has affected the shipyard's vicinity in Barangay Polo, along with Sitio Malogo, Kamingawan, Lagatik, and Riverside in Barangay Poblacion; and Sitio Kamangahan in Barangay Tambak.

In response, Mayor Jessica Regenio-Panambo issued an executive order (EO) on May 28, suspending all fishing and aquatic resource harvesting in the affected zones.

"The contamination of aquatic resources following the oil spill can lead to a possible environmental and health concern," read part of the EO.

Metallica Shipyard owner Jonathan Salvador said the incident occurred when rising seawater due to Typhoon Aghon destabilized their vessel which is undergoing maintenance.

He added that a rope entangled under the vessel contributed to the instability, damaging an onboard oil container.

The shipyard pledged to cover all the damages.

No injuries have been reported from the oil spill incident.

The operations at the Metallica Shipyard have also been temporarily suspended.

New Washington is dubbed as the "seafood capital" of Aklan, with major products including oysters, crabs and prawns.

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