Oil spill cleanup done by March 18 -- OCD

THE oil spill affecting the coastlines of Ilocos region for two weeks now is expected to be cleaned up by March 18, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said.

OCD regional director Melchito Castro said March 18 is the deadline set by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to finally remove oil debris scattered in the coastlines of La Union, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte and Pangasinan.

Castro said the coastal cleanup in these provinces is still continuing without letup in a bid to beat the deadline.

The coastal cleanup is being undertaken by volunteers from the different local government units affected by the oil spill with the help of personnel from the Philippine National Police, PCG and various government agencies.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), meanwhile, has called on fishermen in Bolinao, Pangasinan and all other areas affected by the oil spill to refrain from fishing until the oil spill is completely cleaned up. It is because oil is toxic and this substance sticks in the gills and other organs of the fish, thus it poses danger the health of the people.

Castro said the PCG, BFAR and Department of Environment and Natural Resources continue to gather more evidence linking the Myanmar vessel MV Harita Bauxite that sank last February 17 off Bolinao.

The evidence will be used by fishermen, including the affected local government units (LGUs), to claim for damages against the owner of the vessel.

The different LGUs are now also assessing the damages on their respective ecosystem as a result of the disaster.

The insurance agent of the vessel was already contacted and alerted on the possible legal action that may be filed by the affected fishermen and LGUs. (PNA)