US Coast Guard, weather team helping in oil spill response

MANILA, Philippines — Eight marine environmental and weather experts from the United States have arrived in Bataan to provide technical assistance to the ongoing recovery operations for three recent maritime incidents.

In a statement, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said that the seven experts from the US Coast Guard (USCG) and one from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reached the Incident Command Post in Lamao Port in Limay, Bataan yesterday.

“They will lend their expertise maybe in the aftermath of the oil spill and the coastal management, while NOAA will advise us on the kind of weather and what would be the best strategy to apply given the kind of weather that we have in the country. They will be the ones that could help us in these
 aspects,” PCG spokesman Armand Balilo said.

Terra Nova owner denies oil smuggling

Porta Vaga Ship Management Group, the owner of the sunken motor tanker Terra Nova, meanwhile, denied allegations that they are involved in oil smuggling.

“The owners of MT Terra Nova categorically deny the allegations of smuggling and involvement in pa-ihi operations,” Porta Vaga said in a statement.

“Pa-ihi” is a process where oil from large vessels is transferred to smaller craft at sea to avoid paying taxes.

It pointed out that security measures, such as closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, have been put in place on the ship to ensure that no illegal activities would take place on board while at sea.

“MT Terra Nova is equipped with a comprehensive CCTV system as part of the company’s proactive measures to prevent oil loss,” it said.

The shipping company added, “Since the commencement of its operations, there have been no records of oil loss claims or reports of abnormal losses filed against MT Terra Nova by any of its charterers.”

It also assured the public that it would cooperate in the investigations that would be conducted in connection with the sinking of its vessel in Limay, Bataan, which was carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil.

The shipping company has also been meeting with local government officials of Cavite, Bataan and Bulacan to assess the impact and cost of the oil spill, especially to families living in coastal towns who depend on fishing for a living.

Meanwhile, PCG Bataan station commander Lt. Comm. Michael John Encina said that Mary Jane Ubaldo, the identified operator of the sunken MV Mirola 1, has reportedly stopped coordinating with them on the removal of its vessel.

He added that continual non-cooperation of Ubaldo would lead to the PCG removing the abandoned vessel and using it as payment for the services of the salvor.

PCG is required to remove all hazards in navigation and the marine environment under Republic Act 9993, and is mandated to send three letters to the operator.

Encina said they have already sent one letter to Ubaldo and they are preparing to send another this week.

Refloated

The Bataan station commander declared that MT Jason Bradley would be refloated and brought to shore in Bataan by next week, provided there are no factors that may affect the operations such as bad weather and holes on the ship’s hull.

The divers from FES Challenger Salvour and Builders would lay down the pipes that would be used to siphon the seawater that will make the Jason Bradley refloat today.

Activists and environmental groups will hold a rally today in protest of the oil spill that hit Manila Bay caused by the sinking of three vessels in Bataan.

Led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, demonstrators will march toward Don Chino Roces Bridge along Mendiola Street in Manila on Wednesday morning to protest what they said is the negligence of the administration of President Marcos in addressing the oil spill crisis.

The Bataan province is now under a second state of calamity since Monday due to the threat of oil spill from the three capsized vessels.

The declaration of the second state of calamity, under Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution 328, is based on the environmental concerns of the oil spill and its effects on the livelihood of thousands, especially those dependent on fishing and tourism.

Threatened by the oil spill are nine of 11 towns and one city in Bataan which are adjacent to Manila Bay, namely Hermosa, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Balanga City, Pilar, Orion, Limay and Mariveles. — Emmanuel Tupas, Ric Sapnu