Tuesday, July 01, 2008
More toxic chemicals found inside capsized ferry (5:40 p.m.)
CEBU CITY -- The Fertilizer and Pesticides Authority (FPA) reported Tuesday that the ill-fated mv Princes of the Stars, which sank off Romblon waters last June 21, carried more toxic chemicals.
Dr. Norlito Gicana, executive director of FPA, said they received a letter from Sulpicio Lines Inc. last Monday stating that other chemicals, aside from pesticide endosulfan, were loaded in the passenger vessel.
In a television interview, Gicana made mention of alcohol and other pesticides.
He said the FPA is still validating the authenticity of the letter sent by Sulpicio, owner of the mv Princess of the Stars, adding that they are also coordinating with the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).
Gicana said if the content of the letter is proven true, they will immediately check if the other chemicals or products found inside the ferry are registered with the FPA. He added that they will prepare additional information on the said cargo.
Meantime, Transportation Undersecretary Maria Elena Bautista said the authorities are still trying to get the 10 metric tons of endosulfan inside the ferry.
"As soon as the pesticide is removed, the retrieval operation will resume," Bautista said. (Sunnex) |
