(Photo courtesy of PCG)
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has ordered an immediate assessment and containment of an oil spill in the coastal waters of Mariveles, Bataan, to prevent further environmental damage and protect nearby communities.
Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna directed the agency’s regional and environmental management teams to coordinate with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and local government units following the discovery of the spill in Sitio Naswe, Barangay Ipag, on Thursday.
In a statement Friday, the DENR said it was closely monitoring cleanup operations while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
“The DENR is closely monitoring the cleanup operations and ensuring that responsible parties comply with environmental laws and accountability measures. The agency remains committed to protecting coastal ecosystems and safeguarding affected communities,” the department said.
According to the PCG, approximately 25 liters of used oil spread across an estimated 500 square meters of coastal waters.
Initial assessments suggested that the oil may have come from washing activities, although authorities have yet to confirm its exact source.
The Coast Guard, in coordination with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, immediately deployed seven absorbent booms and 2,200 absorbent pads to contain the spill and prevent its further spread.
As of 6:30 p.m. Thursday, response teams had recovered approximately 800 kilograms of oil-contaminated debris and used absorbent materials.
The collected waste was placed in 40 sacks and temporarily stored in a secured area for proper handling and disposal.
On Friday, the PCG reported that containment and recovery operations remained underway, with additional absorbent booms and pads deployed to concentrate the remaining oil slicks and facilitate their removal.
Authorities also observed that the residual oil had begun undergoing natural weathering, a process that can gradually break down and disperse oil in seawater.
Despite this development, the Coast Guard continued its cleanup efforts to minimize potential damage to marine ecosystems and surrounding coastal areas.
The PCG is also conducting further investigations to determine the type of oil involved and identify its source.
The DENR assured the public that it would continue coordinating with concerned agencies to monitor the situation, assess possible environmental impacts, and ensure accountability under existing environmental laws.
