IOPC agrees to siphon off remaining oil from sunken M/T Solar 1
The remaining bunker oil of the sunken M/T Solar 1 in Guimaras would be siphoned starting January 2007, according to Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Rafael Coscolluela.
Coscolluela, who is now in London, England attending the International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC) Fund meeting since October 23, said he presented the Philippine government position on the Guimaras oil spill calling for the recovery of oil from MT Solar 1 which sank off the southern tip of Guimaras Island last August 11.
In his text message to the local media here on Wednesday, Coscolluela reported that the Philippine position received overwhelming support from the IOPC Assembly and Executive Committee (excom) last October 23. The formal approval is expected Friday, Oct. 27.
"We asked the IOPC Assembly to support the recommendations of Director Mans Jacobson (admissibility of oil recovery operations for compensation by IOPC) and it was passed heartedly," Coscolluela said
It means that IOPC will undertake the cost of siphoning operations which is expected to run from US$ 8-12 million as reported earlier by Joe Nichols, deputy director of IOPC who went to Guimaras to monitor the situation some two weeks ago.
M/T Solar I was carrying 2.1 million liters of bunker oil from Batangas to Zamboanga when it sank near Guimaras. The bunker oil is owned by Petron Corporation while the vessel is owned by Sunshine Maritime Development Corp.
The Philippine Coast Guard estimated that more than 500,000 liters have already slipped out of the sunken vessel, including the thick oil slick for almost two weeks after it sank.
The PCG estimated that the sunken bunker oil is still going out from the vessel with a thin film of oil sheen at the rate of five liters per hour.
The Philippine delegation which went to England last October 22 was composed of Coscolluela as head of the delegation; Dr. Anthony Golez, deputy administrator of Office for Civil Defense (OCD); and Jason Villegas, Sr., Science Research Specialist, Department of Energy (DOE).
The delegation was joined by Rey Catapang, Deputy Chief of Mission, Philippine Embassy and Second Secretary/Consul Neil Ferrer, Alternate Philippine Representative to Maritime Organization.
Coscolluela said the implementing details will follow as three firms are being considered for siphoning operations. Detailed work plan and costs are up for deliberation and the operation is expected to begin January 2007.
Meanwhile, Golez advised Guimaras residents affected by the oil spill to speed up the completion and processing of their claim documents.
He said compensation claims will be based on the damage on livelihood and property due to the oil spill. Claims will be given one month after the completion of claimant's documents, he added.
Golez said the government will prioritize claims of fishermen and farmers affected by the oil spill.
(PNA)