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Thursday, September 07, 2006
Talk back: Views on the oil spill
By Rex Balena
(This letter is addressed to columnist Bong Wenceslao)
The confusion about the spill shows how unprepared we are for disasters. But arguments are nice because a lot of lessons are gained from them.
It might interest one to read my Sept. 4, 2006 interview with Panay News just to ensure I am not quoted out of context.
I do not claim responsibility of entities extending/modifying/exploiting my analyses and ignoring my redundant cautions. Also, I was never in Malacañang to do some "briefing." (My last trip to Manila was way back in 1997).
Finally, I have not been a member of any Task Force or any UPV (UP in the Visayas, although I am based here) team on oil spill. I work independently and only extend public services.
Just to help out, the definition of what an "oil landing" is must be clear to an observer. The spill already has taken several forms to include solid, suspended, sheen, "dissolved," etc. Who has seen the last form?
But one sure thing is that all these can go with currents, and currents go places.
Now, how far to Bantayan? Unfortunately, Bong needs to verify his particular sources of data below:
"By Aug. 24, there were reports of oil sheen in the seas off Madridejos, one of the towns in Bantayan, and talks of fishermen finding bits of hardened black materials near a shoal..."
"...But no, Vice Admiral Arturo Gosingan said the other day. He pointed out that satellite images of the area had picked up not an oil slick but only a thin oil sheen that has already dispersed."
I admire Bong's critical thinking, and the media's active involvement in current issues.
Feel free to e-mail or call me for clarifications (much better).
As a rule of thumb, always examine the credentials of entities (person or organization) trying either to put up or end these scares on our people.
Be careful. Even so-called "scientists" nowadays are scrambling to make money, taking advantage of the misery of others.
(The paragraph in my column that mentioned Rex Baleña as having briefed Task Force Guimaras in Malacañang last Aug. 23 was based on an Associated Press report.—Bong Wenceslao)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (September 7, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
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