Thursday, August 24, 2006 (Philippines)

Sun.Star Publishing, Inc. officials Jesus B. Garcia Jr. (left), president and chairman of the board, with Gina G. Atienza, executive publisher, give a copy of Sun.Star Economic Forum journals to Senate President Manuel Villar.(Sun.star photo/Alex Badayos) An Oceanologist projected that in 10 to 14 days the oil spill in Guimaras Island will reach northern Cebu waters. Science and Technology Secretary Estrella Alabastro echoed the view of Rex Baleña, who holds a doctorate in oceanology from the University of Hawaii and who visited the site. Alabastro, in a briefing of the Task Force Guimaras in Malacañang, said scientists have observed that the slick is moving northward and could hit Bantayan Island, if it is not quickly blocked. [full story]