Groups’ call: Continue Pescador oil spill probe

TWO environmental groups are encouraging government agencies and the local government unit of Moalboal to thoroughly investigate the minimal oil spill off the shores of Pescador Island.

Vince Cinches, Oceans campaigner of Greenpeace, said that although the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Cebu Station claimed seeing no more traces of oil in the area, a water sampling should still be done, and the investigation should be pursued to determine the effects of the incident to the marine life in the area.

“There should be a multi-expert panel to address the oil spill. Oil has chemical compounds that can poison marine life,” Cinches said.

Pescador Island, which is part of Moalboal town in southwestern Cebu, is a popular diving spot in the Tañon Strait.

Aside from affecting the tourism aspect of the town, Cinches said the oil spill may also affect the livelihood of the fishermen in the area.

Lawyer Gloria Ramos, vice president for Oceana Philippines, said that the oil spill in Moalboal is a wake up call to all government agencies.

“This is a wake up call to implement all the laws. There must be an implementation of the law and a management plan,” Ramos told Cebu Daily News.

Aside from vessels, Ramos also said that those oil depots and coal-fired power plants operating near the seas should be stopped.

“These are also contributing to marine pollution,” she added.

Moalboal Mayor Inocentes Cabaron said that he has already coordinated with PCG to identify the vessel or the cause of the oil spill, which was seen last Friday.