Oil spill in Negros Occidental contained, Coast Guard says

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Thursday the oil spill in Negros Occidental, caused by a damaged underwater fuel pipeline, has been contained. The oil spill, reported on Tuesday, was caused by a damaged pipeline of oil firm Chevron Philippines. The company’s workers have already sealed the cut in the pipeline where the oil leaked and contaminated the waters in the vicinity of Bredco Port in Bacolod City. “The on-scene commander… conducted vicinity survey and underwater inspection to verify the underwater works undertaken by Chevron company," the PCG said in a press release on its website. "There were no longer signs of leakage during the first and second underwater survey and inspections," the PCG added. However, Coast Guard personnel from Bacolod City and workers from Chevron will continue to monitor possible oil slicks at the shoreline or nearby coastal villages, the PCG said. Chevron already committed to remove the underwater pipelines to avoid another oil spill incident, according to the PCG. In a press release, Chevron said it has filed a complaint with the Bacolod City Police Office about the possible stealing of parts of the pipeline, which may led to the leakage of their oil products into the water. “We will leave that part of the incident in the hands of the proper authorities such as the police and local government authorities," the oil firm said.—VVP, GMANews.TV