CAVITE Gov. Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla yesterday declared a state of calamity in eight coastal towns of the province that has been affected by the oil spill caused by the sinking of the tanker MT Terra Nova in Limay, Bataan last July 27.
Remulla said the province has also banned the harvesting and selling of shellfish in the waters of the province.
“The oil spill has reached the coast of Cavite. Affected are the municipalities of Bacoor, Kawit, Noveleta, Rosario, Tanza, Naic, Maragondon, and Ternate. As of today, the province is declaring a state of calamity in these areas,” Remulla said on his social media accounts.
“The province is also declaring a no-catch zone for all shellfish in our vicinity,” added Remulla.
Remulla said Cavite officials met yesterday to discuss the distribution of relief goods to some 25,000 fisherfolks whose livelihood was disrupted by the oil spill.
In a radio interview, Remulla said: “The entire coastline of Cavite is affected, from Bacoor, Ternate, up to Maragondon, all are already affected.
“Our shellfish are affected by the oil spill so we will have a no catch, no sell zone in Cavite for this week. This means our fishermen are prohibited from harvesting (shellfish) on the coast of Cavite and it’s prohibited to sell what’s harvested there,” he said.
Apart from the relief goods, Remulla said the affected fishermen will also receive cash assistance in the coming days.
As of yesterday, Remulla said the province was coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Department of Environment of Natural Resources to clear the oil spill.
As of yesterday, the salvor firm Harbor Star has yet to start siphoning industrial fuel oil (IFO) from the sunken tanker, according to Coast Guard Bataan Station commander Lt. Commander Michael John Encina.
Encina said the latest information showed the number of storage tank valves that have been sealed and capped by Harbor Star divers was still at 19, meaning six are still subject to the sealing and capping operation.
“Once they (valves) are sealed, we will proceed with the siphoning. If they are sealed today (Wednesday), we are hoping to start tomorrow (today). If not, we’ll just wait for its (sealing and capping) conclusion,” Encina said in an online press briefing yesterday afternoon.
“What they are doing is very challenging and we observed this… This is an underwater operation. We should not rush it… The sealing and capping are very critical in ensuring no oil will spill or leak during the course of siphoning, during the conduct of the activity,” added Encina.
He stressed that all equipment, including a vessel where the siphoned oil would be transferred, is already prepositioned.
Encina confirmed that the oil spill had reached the shoreline of Cavite.
“Reports of oil sheen in the shoreline of Cavite has been confirmed,” Encina said, adding the PCG is coordinating with local government units and other government agencies to “mitigate its impact.”
PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan conducted another aerial inspection of the affected area and declared “the oil sheen seen is already very minimal,” according to Encina.
MT Terra Nova sank after encountering huge waves generated by typhoon Carina. It was transporting 1.4 million liters of IFO to Iloilo when it figured in the mishap.
On the sinking of another tanker, the MTKR Jason Bradley in Mariveles, Bataan last July 23, Encina said siphoning equipment is being mobilized.
“We’re just waiting for the arrival of the tugboat (that will lead the siphoning),” he said.
The vessel was taking shelter in Mariveles when it sank due to the inclement weather. It loaded with 5,500 liters of diesel fuel used to power the vessel.
Last July 23, another vessel, MV Mirola Uno, ran aground in Mariveles and later spilled oil.
“Our concentration of our deployment is here at MT Terra Nova. The mere fact that it contains IFO, a heavy fuel oil, its impact is greater if we can’t address it immediately,” said Encina.
“The motor tanker Mirola Uno contains diesel fuel oil. Diesel fuel oil is considered a light type of oil which can dissipate due to natural weathering, meaning if it’s exposed to sunlight and waves,” said Encina.
He said criminal charges have been filed against the owner of the ship.
