By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard has moved to monitoring mode in Barangay Ipag, Mariveles, Bataan after wrapping up initial cleanup operations for a recent oil spill.
As of Nov. 7, responders collected 1,660 kilograms of oil-soaked debris packed into 83 sacks. The waste is now stored at a Mariveles transfer site and will be handed over to an accredited collector for proper treatment and disposal.
A joint inspection by the PCG and Mariveles MDRRMO on Saturday afternoon found no visible oil sheen on surrounding waters.
The incident began Nov. 4 when fishermen reported roughly 25 liters of crude and used oil near the coast. The PCG immediately deployed containment booms to prevent further spread. With support from the Provincial DRRMO, teams also laid out seven absorbent booms and 2,200 pads during the operation.
Officials have not identified the source. Guillermo Mangayao of the Mariveles Agriculture Office said the origin remains under investigation. Earlier PCG findings pointed to possible washing activities, but this has not been confirmed.
Cleanup continues under close watch while authorities trace where the oil came from.
