Oil spill spreads to Talisay, threatens Cebu City

THE Department of Health (DOH) in Region 7 has extended the public advisory against swimming or getting into direct contract with water contaminated by the oil spill from the sunken St. Thomas Aquinas to coastal barangays in Talisay City.

Oil slicks have been monitored in barangays Kansuhong, Larawan and Poblacion in Talisay City. A fish kill was also noted in the area.

“We are urging the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource (BFAR) to get samples of fish in the area and issue appropriate advisory thereafter,” said Expedito Medalla of DOH-7.

Meanwhile in Cebu City, the Task Force Bantay Dagat has been constantly monitoring the coastal waters of the city for any traces of oil slick.

According to Councilor Dave Tumulak, they have been keeping track of the oil slick in Shell and Tonggo islands in the Cordova side of the Mactan Channel.

“With the northeast monsoon prevailing in Cebu, there is a great probability it can soon reach Cebu City,” he said.

Barangays Inayawan Cogon Pardo, Basak Pardo, Basak San Nicolas, Mambaling and Duljo-Fatima will be affected if ever the amihan continues, Tumulak warned.

As precautionary measures, the Bantay Dagat chief Ranulfo Sebusa said they are putting up oil spill booms made of coconut husks and jute sacks to secure the coastal area and are monitoring it every two hours.