I would like to write to you about the recent oil spill tragedy in Guimaras, Philippines. Guimaras is a tiny island in Southern Philippines known for its rich marine biodiversity, white beaches, mangrove and seaweed plantations.

But on August 11, an oil tanker carrying oil from Petron company sank in Guimaras waters spilling 2.19 million liters of oil and affecting as much as:  

• 26,000 individuals displaced
• 1,500 hectares of ecosystem
• 209 hectares of mangrove
• 20 hectares of sea grass
• 100 hectares of coral reef within Taklong Marina Reserve
• 58 villages (and threatens 37 more)

Outside the marine reserve