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USCG, weather team helping oil spill response
By J.Lo
“They will lend their expertise maybe in aftermath of oil spill and coastal management, while NOAA will advise us on the kind of weather and what would be best strategy to apply given the kind of weather that we have in the country…they will be ones that could help us in these aspects,” Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Armand Balilo said eight marine environmental and weather experts from United States have arrived in Bataan to provide technical assistance to ongoing recovery operations for three recent maritime incidents.
In statement, PCG said seven experts from US Coast Guard (USCG) and one from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reached Incident Command Post in Lamao Port in Limay, Bataan.
Porta Vaga Ship Management Group, owner of sunken motor tanker Terra Nova, meanwhile, denied allegations that they are involved in oil smuggling.
“Owners of MT Terra Nova categorically deny allegations of smuggling and involvement in pa-ihi operations,” Porta Vaga said in 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 comprehensive CCTV system as part of company’s proactive measures to prevent oil loss,” it said.
Shipping company stressed, “since 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 public it would cooperate in investigations that would be conducted in connection with sinking of its vessel in Limay, Bataan, which was carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil.
Shipping company has also been meeting with local government officials of Cavite, Bataan and Bulacan to assess impact and cost of oil spill, especially to families living in coastal towns who depend on fishing for living.
Meanwhile, PCG Bataan station commander Lt. Comm. Michael John Encina said Mary Jane Ubaldo, identified operator of sunken MV Mirola 1, has reportedly stopped coordinating with them on removal of its vessel.
He stressed continual non-cooperation of Ubaldo would lead to PCG removing abandoned vessel and using it as payment for services of salvor.
PCG is required to remove all hazards in navigation and marine environment under Republic Act 9993, and is mandated to send three letters to operator.
Encina have already sent one letter to Ubaldo and they are preparing to send another this week.
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 operations such as bad weather and holes on ship’s hull.
Divers from FES Challenger Salvour and Builders would lay down pipes that would be used to siphon seawater that will make Jason Bradley refloat today.
Activists and environmental groups will hold rally today in protest of oil spill that hit Manila Bay caused by 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 negligence of administration of President Marcos in addressing oil spill crisis.
Bataan province is now under second state of calamity since Monday due to threat of oil spill from three capsized vessels.
Declaration of second state of calamity, under Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution 328, is based on environmental concerns of oil spill and its effects on livelihood of thousands, especially those dependent on fishing and tourism.
Threatened by oil spill are nine of 11 towns and one city in Bataan adjacent to Manila Bay, namely Hermosa, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Balanga City, Pilar, Orion, Limay and Mariveles.
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