DOTC acts on Sarangani oil spill

MANILA, Philippines - Transportation and Communication Secretary Manuel Roxas II yesterday directed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and its Marine Environmental Protection Unit to continue spraying oil dispersant on affected parts of the Sarangani Bay to avoid the spread of fuel spilled as a result of the collision of two vessels there the other day.

Although the oil spill caused by M/V Bulk Carrier 1, which sank in a collision with M/V HS Puccini, was already under control, Roxas said the PCG should continue monitoring the situation to avoid the oil spill from spreading.

In a report to Roxas, PCG commandant Admiral Ramon Liwag said the oil slick from the sunken M/V Bulk Carrier 1, owned by Cebu-based Pulsa Shipping Co., is considered a Tier 1 spill or “minor” as it does not exceed 1,000 liters and can only cause minimal damage locally.

Sarangani lone district Rep. Manny Pacquiao said all measures should be taken to prevent the oil spill from reaching the shoreline of Maasim town. – Rainier Allan Ronda, Rose Tamayo-Tesoro, Evelyn Macairan