PCG, DENR probing Batangas oil spill

[GLT]

PCG, DENR probing Batangas oil spill
By Evelyn Macairan and Arnell Ozaeta (The Philippine Star) Updated
July 07, 2010 12:00 AM

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