PCG, DENR probing Batangas oil spill
Manila, Philippines - The Philippine Coast (PCG) is investigating who should be held accountable for the discharge of bunker fuel that has affected a mangrove area in Calatagan, Batangas since Sunday.
PCG commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo ordered the probe as an inspection revealed that the oil spill has affected an area of more or less 80 meters by 12 meters, in the mangrove swamp in Barangay Talibayog.
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje ordered his department’s regional officials to conduct an inquiry into the oil spill, too, and “give a report or updates as soon as possible.”
Paje said the culprits could be held liable under the United Nations Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution, of which the Philippines is a signatory.
In a statement, PCG spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Arman Balilo said they have dispatched teams of the Marine Environment Protection Group and personnel of the Port State Control on board two vessels to Balayan Bay.
The PCG teams would get oil samples from five vessels presently docked in Balayan Bay “to determine or pinpoint the source of the oil spill” and would supervise and conduct the oil spill cleanup.
The PCG teams yesterday began to use high-pressure flushing equipment and absorbent pads in the affected area with the help of local workers and Bantay Dagat members.
Lt. Cmdr. Troy Cornelio, PCG Batangas chief, said it might take a month to fully clean up the oil spill. – With Rhodina Villanueva
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