THE Provincial Board’s committee on environment is set to investigate the alleged discharge of a “white substance” from a cargo vessel in the waters of Jasaan town last week, which alarms residents and local officials.

Environment committee chairman board member Gerardo Sabal said the committee hearing is scheduled on Wednesday, January 22. Concerned government agencies, village officials and the management of Pilipinas Kao Inc. will be invited.

On Friday, January 10, a cargo ship named “Hugo” unloaded some raw materials for Pilipinas Kao Inc. in Jasaan town.

But, fisherfolks living on the shores of Barangay Lower Jasaan observed a whitish, oily substance in the seashore.

Sabal said according to the fisherfolks the “white substance” was allegedly dumped from the said container ship.

“The alleged dumping of wastes triggered the concern of the fisherfolk because it has now spread to the fish pens situated in the barangay and has now affected also the mangrove area which the local government unit of Jasaan has spearheaded and started planting,” Sabal said.

Sabal said two fish cages containing milkfish or ‘bangus’ fingerlings were affected according to the barangay Lower Jasaan chairman Sabas Tagarda Jr.

“With that, I believe the Sangguniang Panlalawigan should call the attention of the respective government agencies,” Sabal said.