MANILA, March 3 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. pledged Friday to provide assistance to those affected by the oil spillage in waters off Naujan town in Oriental Mindoro province following the sinking of MT Princess Empress on Feb. 28.

Pola town in Oriental Mindoro has been placed under a state of calamity as the seawater and shoreline have turned black and various species of fish have died, according to a statement of Mayor Jennifer Cruz.

Marcos said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will lead the distribution of assistance to affected families and individuals.

Affected fisherfolk would be given "special attention", according to the President.

"The government, through the Department of Social [Welfare] and D...