BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Northern Negros Occidental assured residents of Purok Magsungay in Bacolod City that the cargo vessel that had run aground there does not pose any danger of an oil spill.
Commander Joe Luviz Mercurio, PCG-Northern Negros Occidental station chief, said the vessel ran aground during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Odette in December 2021.
Mercurio ascertained that the vessel was fully drained and no longer had any fuel.
However, he said the vessel is a threat to nearby marine sanctuaries, especially during bad weather.
The PCG requested to recover the seacraft but this could take some time as the vessel’s owner, a politician from outside the province, is currently locked in “lengthy legal proceedings” in this very matter.
When Super Typhoon Odette hit Negros Occidental, at least three sea vessels, including the cargo ship, ran aground.
The seacraft was in the vicinity of the BREDCO anchorage area prior./PN
