Haze from Indonesia forest fires affects Visayas Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines — Several areas in the Visayas and Mindanao experienced “very unhealthy” and “acutely unhealthy” air yesterday due to haze coming from the ongoing forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said the haze was associated with smoke from the forest fires, which was carried toward the Philippines by prevailing winds.

As of noon yesterday, the quality of air in Negros Island Region, particularly in the cities of La Carlota and Canlaon, was described as “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”

Bacolod City experienced “acutely unhealthy” air while La Castellana recorded “very unhealthy” levels based on the air quality index.

In Central Visayas, the quality of air in Toledo City in Cebu was “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” while Talisay was at “acutely unhealthy” levels.

Leyte in Eastern Visayas posted “unhealthy for sensitive groups” levels, the DENR said.

Zamboanga peninsula and Northern Mindanao recorded “acutely unhealthy” and “very unhealthy” levels, respectively.

Davao region ranged between “unhealthy for sensitive groups” and “very unhealthy.”

Koronadal City in South Cotabato had acutely “unhealthy” air.

The rest of the country recorded “good” to “fair” air quality, except Meycauayan in Bulacan, which registered “very unhealthy” levels, and Naga City, which was at “unhealthy for sensitive groups” levels.

People have been advised to wear good quality face masks and minimize outdoor exposure, especially those who are sensitive to air pollution and those suffering from respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

Meanwhile, Rep. Antonio Tinio of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers party-list group criticized the government for not addressing the pollution problem.

Tinio said the ASEAN Agreement on Transborder Haze Pollution allows governments to seek consultations or information.

“The deputy prime minister of Malaysia is in Indonesia to demand accountability and action to ensure this will not happen again,” Tinio said. “Malaysia, like Singapore, wants to protect its people from the effects of pollution. But here in the Philippines, Malacañang is simply brushing it off, merely telling people to wear masks.”

Tinio urged the DENR to protect the health of the Filipinos and safeguard the country’s environment.

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