Oil slicks found off Cebu City's piers

CEBU, Philippines - Oil slicks were spotted in the seawaters off the piers of Cebu City, which was traced to the Mahiga Creek located between Cebu City and Mandaue City that flows toward the Cebu International Port (CIP) during high tide.

The area covers a 20-meter area off the international seaport, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported n Friday.

Algier Ricafrente, PCG spokesman, said that about 50 liters of oil spill were seen off the (CIP).

Upon verification by the Marine Environmental Protection Unit ( MEPU), MEPU-Cebu personnel conducted a clean-up operation by scooping the oil and applying sorbent materials on the affected area.

The clean-up operation was immediately completed with no untoward incident, Ricafrente said

The PCG Cebu station, meanwhile, is currently investigating the case. They are currently coordinating with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 in their investigation, said Commander Rolando Punzalan, PCG Cebu Station chief.

He told The FREEMAN they received reports of the oil slick on Monday at Pier 4.

Punzalan said he immediately sent a team from the CG Marine Environment and Protection to inspect and assess the area which was near a “canal” where the oil reportedly came from.

“It was only discovered after the tides brought the oil to shore but it is not a major problem,” he said. 

Compared to the usual oil substance from ships, they noticed that the type of oil found is thicker and do not evaporate easily. The PCG considers it an isolated case although they found it “highly unusual.”  

Punzalan said the used oil came from the City’s sewage system. He added that it could have come from a big automobile shop and other companies.

The PCG asks the public, especially those who use oil, to be more cautious in disposing of their waste which can harm the environment.

Luckily, PCG said only a few fish normally goes to shore because of the heavy sea traffic the port has in a daily basis.

Based on studies, a single gallon of oil can create an oil slick up to at least 4 square meters in size. Mixture of water and oil can also change the solution into what is known as “mousse” or a sticky substance that clings to whatever it comes in contact with, even to marine animals.  (FREEMAN)