PCG denies not using materials

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Cebu denied that the Marine Pollution Control Equipments provided to them by their national office remained unused.

PCG Central Visayas Commander, Commodore William Melad confirmed that they do have Marine Pollution Control Equipments provided to them by their national office but said he does not know if this was related to the reported P319 million worth of procured oil spill materials being questioned by the Commission on Audit for reportedly being overpriced.

Last Thursday, Cebu City Councilor Gerardo Carillo said a former official of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) informed him that the PCG offices are provided with the necessary equipment to contain oil spills and that they need not ask for indigenous materials from the public.

Melad said that they did not use the oil spill boom in the recent incident because it is not suitable to contain the oil spill.

“Hindi namin ginagamit kasi hindi appropriate for the operation,” said Melad, but added that they used the oil spill booms in previous instances involving sea mishaps where they needed to contain possible oil spills.

 He explained to The Freeman that initially, since the depth of the water where the MV Saint Thomas Aquinas sank was at 150 ft, it was impossible for them to use the boom since they need to anchor it so it would be stable.

Apart from PCG personnel, Melad said other experts hired by 2GO Management who are qualified salvors would also not recommend the use of the oil spill booms that they have.

 Further, he said that since the oil spill is spreading in the mangrove area, it makes the oil spill boom harder to deploy.   The oil spill booms are reportedly designed for shoreline areas.

“Hindi pa rin pwede kasi sa mangrove areas. Instead of collecting, you will deflect it to other areas.”  (FREEMAN)