Metro Manila, Philippines — The oil spill from the sunken MT Terra Nova off Bataan has reached the municipal waters of Hagonoy, Bataan, an environmental group said on Sunday, July 28.
“A thick layer of oil has been seen across the water’s surface approximately four kilometers from the coastline,” Greenpeace said.
Greenpeace called on the government to take “immediate and decisive action” in containing the spill and protecting affected ecosystems and communities.
“Filipino coastal communities are recovering from extreme floods due to Super Typhoon Carina while bracing for an imminent environmental disaster from an oil spill,” the group said.
“Greenpeace demands that President [Ferdinand] Marcos Jr. hold the fossil fuel industry accountable and to make them pay for damages to ecosystems, community livelihood and health,” Greenpeace also said.
In a news release on Sunday, the PCG said Harbor Star divers confirmed the presence of nine leaking valves of tanks carrying the industrial fuel oil on board the sunken tanker.
“Immediately, the divers worked on sealing the valves, finishing the application of the second layer of sealant at around 10:42 a.m.,” the coast guard said.
“As of press time, Harbor Star divers continue to monitor the status of the nine valves and will conclude their operations after confirming absence of IFO leakage on board,” it added.
The PCG earlier assured it could complete siphoning operations within seven days.
Oil tanker MT Terra Nova, carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel, capsized and sank in waters off Limay, Bataan on Thursday, July 25.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) earlier said a worst-case scenario would see oil spreading to the vicinity waters of Parañaque, Manila, Navotas, Bulacan, and Pampanga.
