Grounded barge ordered removed
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – La Union Gov. Manuel Ortega ordered yesterday the Philippine Coast Guard to immediately remove the Indonesian barge that ran aground at the marine protected area in Barangay Lingsat here two weeks ago.
Based on an executive order he signed on Friday, Ortega directed Captain Joel Garcia, PCG chief Northern Luzon Command and head of Task Force Nava Ratna 3, to conduct thorough investigation on the incident and charge those involved in the coal spill.
“It (executive order) should be enforced immediately. The Task Force, led by Captain Garcia, will complete the retrieval operations and rehabilitation activities. Immediately remove Nava Ratna 3 barge in the area and determine the extent of damage,” Ortega said.
Ortega directed the Task Force to conduct investigations to determine the cause of the incident, pinpoint persons and agencies responsible, and recommend appropriate actions and penalty.
The barge has caused coal spillage at the 75-hectare fish sanctuary and at least 1000 metric tons of coals from its 9000 MT cargo have been dropped to the sea that destroyed century-old coral reefs and vast seaweeds.
On Thursday, Chief Superintendent Leopold Bataoil, Ilocos police director and chair of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council, said they are rushing the removal of the barge before Typhoon Mina batters
Ortega announced his directive on Friday afternoon during the signing of a memorandum of agreement on the “Protect San Fernando Bay Movement” held at the grounds of the Naval Force North in Poro Point.
Members of Task Force Nava Ratna 3 are also included in the movement which aims to protect the coastal area from illegal fishing, marine pollution, degradation, and to ensure safe, healthy, productive marine environment for the people of La Union. – Jun Elias
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