Arroyo orders containment of chemical spill (11:19 a.m.)
MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the immediate retrieval and containment of any possible chemical spill from the mv Princess of the Stars following the discovery of 10 metric tons of pesticide.
National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) spokesman Anthony Golez said search and rescue operations had been stopped because of the discovered chemicals inside the sunken ferry.
“President Arroyo instructed the NDCC to focus efforts in trying to contain the chemical and carefully retrieve the 40-foot container, so as not to contaminate the environment,” Golez said.
He added that the Department of Health (DOH) is providing the needed information and health assistance in the area, and is now working with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in doing “social preparations to the communities and relatives of the victims”.
“All necessary precautions are now being undertaken to ensure the safety of our people,” Golez said. (Sunnex)
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