The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continues its oil spill containment and recovery operations in the coastal waters of Barangay Ipag, Mariveles, Bataan, following the discovery of approximately 25 liters of used oil affecting around 500 square meters of the area.
In an update, the PCG said response teams deployed additional containment equipment, including absorbent pads and booms, to concentrate the remaining oil slicks and facilitate their collection.
The suspected oil spill was first reported at around 9:30 a.m. on November 5 at Sitio Naswe, Barangay Ipag. Initial findings indicated that the substance may have originated from washing activities, although its source and type remain subject to further investigation.
In coordination with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the PCG initially deployed seven absorbent booms and 2,200 absorbent pads to contain the spill and prevent it from spreading further.
By 3:30 p.m. on November 5, personnel from the PCG, Mariveles Municipal Agriculture Office, and Barangay Ipag had installed containment booms along the affected shoreline.
The response team also collected approximately 800 kilograms of oil-contaminated debris and used absorbent materials, which were placed in 40 sacks for temporary storage at a secure location as of 6:30 p.m.
Based on the latest assessment, the remaining oil has started undergoing natural weathering, a process that may gradually break down and disperse the substance in the water.
The PCG said it continues to monitor the affected coastal area and coordinate with local authorities to minimize the environmental impact while efforts are underway to determine the source and type of oil involved.
