A thick layer of oil can be seen across the water’s surface approximately four kilometers from the coastline in Tibaguin Island, Hagonoy Bulacan. Noel Celis, Greenpeace handout

MANILA — A new projection showed that the oil spill caused by MT Terra Nova, which sank in Manila Bay last week, may reach Metro Manila, experts said Monday.

In the second bulletin by the University of the Philippines - Marine Science Institute, the possible landfall time of oil to Metro Manila is at July 30, 1:00 a.m.

Photo from UP MSI. 

They reminded the public that the "models are generated to inform the public on the potential direction of transport of the oil spill and help direct response efforts on the ground."

"However, models have some levels of uncertainty due to assumptions and limitations, and thus, should be used with caution," UP-MSI added.

Experts earlier projected that the oil spill will reach Bulacan and Cavite.

Oil spill from MT Terra Nova projected to reach Bulacan, Cavite: UP MSI

The tanker sank in bad weather off Manila early Thursday, killing one crew member and leaving the Philippines facing the possibility of its worst oil spill ever.

READ: Philippine coast guard says oil leaking from sunken tanker

MT Terra Nova's insurer is now moving to pay for damages to those affected by the oil spill, including coastal fishermen who were forced to temporarily halt their livelihood, said Mojal-Infante.

Portavaga Ship Management Inc. has also submitted a salvage and recovery plan to the Philippine Coast Guard for a more detailed process for oil extraction and cleanup operations in the affected communities.

PHOTO: Oil spill from capsized oil tanker Terra Nova reaches Bulacan

—with a report from Agence France-Presse