Contractor done with oil spill cleanup

By Jennifer P. Rendon

 

The Philippine Coast Guard-Iloilo City on Monday confirmed that the private contractor hired by AC Energy Philippines has declared completion of the oil spill clean-up operations.

Lieutenant Commander Joe Luviz Mercurio, PCG-Iloilo Station commander, said that Harbor Star Shipping Services Inc. has turned over to the PCG its report indicating that it has completed the cleanup operations in areas affected by the oil spill after Power Barge 102 exploded on July 3, 2020.

“They submitted it on Sunday (August 2). But we haven’t signed it for compliance. The affected areas will still be checked if it’s compliant to be declared as cleared,” Mercurio said.

Aside from the PCG, Mercurio said other agencies would also take part in determining if the cleanup process is at par with the standards.

Last July 12, a multi-stakeholders task force composed of PCG, various barangays in Iloilo City; the Iloilo City Government and its various offices, AC Energy Philippines and its consultant AECOM Philippines and Harbor Star conducted a “walk through” to assess the progress of the cleanup in various barangays affected by the oil spill.

The task force developed a set of parameters for the reintegration of the community back to their homes.

Around 251,000 liters of bunker fuel from PB 102 is estimated to have leaked out following the explosion. The barge can carry a total of 268,000 liters.

Meanwhile, Mercurio confirmed that they already held a preliminary hearing on the case filed by PCG-Iloilo Station against AC Energy Philippines last July 10.

“The next court schedule is set in September,” he said.

The PCG filed with the Iloilo City Prosecutors Office a case for violation of Section 107 of Republic Act 8550 (The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998) as amended by RA 10654 (Aquatic Pollution) against the company.

The Ayala-owned company is the direct respondent but the PCG said it might also implead its president, as well as the plant manager “because they have the direct hand in the operation.”

Aside from criminal charges, the PCG earlier said it has found several deficiencies during its investigation.

The Coast Guard will also conduct an administrative probe against AC Energy for possible violation of PCG memorandum circulars on marine environmental protection.