MANILA, Philippines - The Coast Guard will recommend the lifting of a fishing ban on Sibuyan Island in Romblon province after October 24, if the removal of toxic chemicals from the capsized MV Princess of the Stars goes smoothly.

But Coast Guard commandant Vice Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo said Monday the lifting will be recommended only if they are sure the water around the ship is not contaminated.

“I will recommend, kung wala nang threat sa environment, ibalik natin ang fishing ng ating mga kababayan (Assuming there is no more threat to the environment, I will recommend that we allow fishermen in the area to resume fishing),” Tamayo said in an interview on dwIZ radio.

He said that in the meantime, they will continue to monitor the ongoing removal of toxic chemicals from the ship, which capsized off Romblon in the wake of Typhoon Frank last June 21.

Divers on Sunday finished recovering all 402 containers of endosulfan from the capsized ship. Next to be extracted are toxic chemicals and bunker fuel.

The endosulfan triggered a fishing ban on waters around the ship.

Residents of San Fernando town in Sibuyan Island scored the ban, saying it has kept them from their livelihood. Residents had also scored the Agriculture department for breaking its promise to bring rice to the residents.

“We are very much concerned, sa aming meeting mamaya aking imumungkahi immediately after tanggalin ang hazardous chemicals ibalik ang fishing activities sa Sibuyan (We are very much concerned about their livelihood. So I will take up the matter during the meeting of the task force this afternoon, that once the hazardous chemicals are removed we will resume fishing activities in Sibuyan),” Tamayo said.

On the other hand, residents of San Fernando town said they are still wary of the “second phase” of removal of toxic substances.

Radio dzBB’s Carlo Mateo reported that San Fernando town Mayor Nanette Tansingco said they will keep an eye on the removal of toxic substances and bunker fuel from the ship.

Tansingco said they can only hope that the removal of the toxic substances goes smoothly and without incident, just like the removal of the endosulfan.

Fishing in the vicinity of Sibuyan Island, Romblon, was banned shortly after the sinking of MV Princess of the Stars due to the fear that it’s dangerous cargo, endosulfan, could contaminate the waters.

Now, with very little pressure from the local folks for several months. I wonder how big are those fishes now. With the lifting of the ban, the locals will have their sigh or relief and they can go back to what they were accustomed to do.

As for the anglers… It might be a pretty interesting to go on a trip down south to Romblon..