There are quite a number of environmental issues in the country today causing panic to people affected. With proper actions to be done by people in authority, we are just hoping for immediate resolution to prevent further damage to occur.
Press Release
Batangas Capitol
Gov. Vi, PDCC press for action on Nasugbu coal spill
Gov. Vilma Santos Recto, in an emergency meeting of the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) last July 26, 2010, appealed to all concerned parties to immediately take proper actions to avoid a possible environmental disaster after a coal-loaded barge that ran aground in Nasugbu spilled 40% of its cargo.
The PDCC chairperson likewise urged barge-owner PT Transpower Marine, through its Indonesian representative Didik Surdianto, to act on their responsibilities as the coal spill could damage marine life in Batangas Bay, endanger life of residents and tourists and jeopardize the local economy.
PT Transpower was already in contact with a salvage company to remove the damaged vessel from the bay. Phil. Coast Guard’s Southern Tagalog district director Commodore Cecil Cheng added that the Singapore-based barge owner shall shoulder all expenses, including the cleaning operations of the affected area.
At the height of typhoon “Basyang” last July 14, the towing line of the barge bound for Manila and loaded with 8,000 metric tons of coal broke, causing the boat to drift to shallow waters off Brgy. Wawa. Huge waves caused the overloaded barge to tilt and force out about 3,200 tons of coal.
Also present during the meeting were, among others, Batangas PNP Director Sr.Supt. Alberto Supapo; Prov. Admin. Victor Reyes; Chief of Staff Pedrito Martin M. Dijan, Jr.; Batangas Coast Guard commander Lt. Cmdr. Troy Cornelio; and, Nasugbu MPDC Reynaldo Garcia. (Vince Altar/OPG-PIO)