MANILA, Philippines – The local government of San Joaquin in Iloilo is conducting a clean-up in the waters of 2 coastal villages following a possible oil spill in the area.

The suspected oil slick, which covers around 7 kilometers, sparked fear among residents of Barangays Sinugbuhan and Igcadlum.

They said they first spotted the liquid off the coast on Monday afternoon but it moved closer to the coastline on Tuesday morning.

The residents expressed alarm over the damage it may cause to 3 marine-protected areas in the vicinity of the villages.

Members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have arrived in the scene to investigate the material. They have also collected samples for laboratory testing.

PCG will probe if the liquid indeed came from a tanker.

The Coast Guard has also received information that the liquid was spotted in the town of Anini-y in Antique. -- Report from Nony Basco, ABS-CBN News Iloilo