Measures for oil spill disaster preparedness in the pipeline
Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Rafael Coscolluela is optimistic about the measures of the government to prevent the recurrence of oil spill incidents.
Coscolluela in a press conference revealed the measures crafted by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) as part of its 2-3 year plan to enhance capability of the government agencies and local government units to handle oil spill situations.
On the speculation that the oil from Solar I was stolen since only a minimal amount of oil was recovered, Coscolluela said that although the speculation may never be proven, a lot of oil on the surface dissipated on natural action -- either reached the shores of Guimaras and some municipalities in Iloilo or dissipated by dispersants.
Petron's Health, Safety and Environment Manager Carlos Tan said that the possibility of pilferage has never been proven based on the report by Board of Marine Inquiry.
“This factor is only regarded as a probability. PETRON leaves it to proper government agencies to conduct the investigation," Tan added.
Petron on the height of the oil spill hired a satellite video to monitor the spill every other day and the very rough estimate as shown by the footage the oil that leaked from M/T Solar I reached 1.6 million litres, Tan said confirming the earlier claim of Coscolluela.
Reviews of the Oil Spill Contingency Plan and the Regulatory Environment are some of the measures outlined by the NDCC.
The reviews will determine where the shortcomings are and where it might be strengthened in order to be more prepared to meet future oil spills as well as the ability of the regulatory agencies to enforce existing regulations and if needed to have more regulations.
As part of the measures, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has a pending bill which proposes to strengthen the agency. PCG now is neither fully military nor fully civilian. The agency need to strengthen not just its powers and functions but also in its enlisting capabilities.
According to Coast Guard Commodore Arturo Olavario of the P120 million budget of the agency for the year, P20 million is allocated for the acquisition of marine enhancement equipment.
A vessel which carry chemicals and substances need to shift to double hull and the deadline is set in 2008 is also being considered by NDCC. While Particularly Sensitive Areas need to be established. These are sea lanes where vessels carrying substances and chemicals are known to either accidental or purposely spill oil is monitored.
However, the Scientific Community's position is to divert sensitive cargoes from particularly sensitive areas.
The report of Special Board of Marine Inquiry was submitted to NDCC and is now with the Department of Justice (DOJ) for filing of appropriate charges. DOJ is filing two cases against Solar I and RAS -- vessel which carried the oil debris to Mindanao which also sank.
(PIA/EAD)