• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Crew negligence is being looked into by the Philippine Coast Guard on the molasses spill incident Wednesday at the feeder port in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.
The water discoloration has affected about 1.3 hectares of the Sagay Marine Reserve (SMR), with results of the water analysis to be known Aug. 16, a statement from Sagay city government said.
About 307 metric tons of molasses was reported to have spilled into the water of Sagay feeder port from M/T Mary Queen of Charity.
Initial investigations conducted by the PCG indicated that the vessel is compliant with safety regulations and its hull intact upon inspection by the divers. However, there are indications of possible negligence by the crew during the shore-to-ship operations.
Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr. reassured the public that the Sagay city government, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), PCG and the PNP Maritime Group, are actively monitoring the situation.
In collaboration with concerned government agencies, Javelosa said the city government has swiftly mobilized efforts to mitigate the impact of molasses spill at the SMR, immediately after the incident.
Mayor Javelosa emphasized that the city government is committed to holding accountable those responsible and they are exploring additional measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Operators of the M/T Mary Queen of Charity may face penalties ranging from P200,000 to P1 million for violating the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act of 2018, he added.
“As the city government closely monitors the situation of fisherfolk in nearby coastal communities, assistance is now being readied for distribution if the need arises,” Javelosa said.
Affirming the city’s dedication to transparency and effective response, he added that they are working tirelessly to address the spillage issue and prevent any long-term damage. | GB
