BFP pegs power barge’s blast damage at P2.75M

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

 

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Iloilo City said some P2.752 million worth of fuel and property were lost to the explosion in Power Barge 102 of Ayala-owned AC Energy Philippines last July 3, 2020.

The blast also resulted in an oil spill which affected Iloilo City, Guimaras Island, and some neighboring towns in Iloilo province.

Fire Chief Inspector Melanie Habawel, BFP-Iloilo City fire marshal, said the estimate is based on the recent data submitted to their office.

“It was earlier approximated that 48,000 liters of bunkers fuel were spilled due to the explosion,” she said.

The value of the spilled bunker oil was based on the prevailing price of P30 per liter.

Habawel noted, though, that Philippine Coast Guard-Iloilo Station estimated that around 251,000 liters of bunker fuel leaked out of Power Barge 102 which is operated by Ayala-owned AC Energy Philippines.

“We would make necessary revision once we have the official report of the spilled oil,” she said.

BFP investigators also took into consideration the structural damage of the power barge.

Habawel said the deformed flooring and holes that the explosion made was measured at 37.5 square meters.

Fire probers set the estimate at P35,000 per square meters.

“That’s how we were able to come up with the P2.7 million. But for sure, the amount would change once we receive the report of the actual spilled bunker fuel,” Habawel said.

Meanwhile, the BFP said investigation is still going on to determine the cause of explosion.

While investigators saw the presence of flammable materials like acetylene tank, hose, and torch, it is not still conclusive that it caused the blast.

“We would be seeking the help of technical experts like chemists and engineers to help us in determining what triggered the explosion,” she said.

But Habawel has confirmed earlier reports that the fire originated from the air vent near the barge’s hull.

Under the BFP rules, Habawel said they have a maximum of 45 days to finish and submit their investigation report.

“But we’re very eager to finish this, as soon as possible,” she said.