INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — “The recent chemical spill in Batangas is now under control, and all evacuees have safely returned to their homes,” Defense Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, administrator of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Immediate containment and cleanup operations were conducted along the affected shoreline. According to reports, the chemical has naturally dissipated,” Nepomuceno added.
He was referring to an incident last Nov. 4 off the coast of Barangay San Miguel in Bauan, when two drums of Solvent Naphtha L leaked while being loaded at a facility owned by IMPEX Philippines Company Inc. It reportedly affected 6,000 square meters, causing some fish kills.
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According to the OCD, exposure to naptha solvent may cause health risks such as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
More than 50 families in Barangay San Miguel were evacuated. According to the OCD, the families have now been able to return to their homes.
“In collaboration with our regional counterparts in Calabarzon, we will continue to monitor the impact of this incident and take necessary actions. Ongoing investigations are currently being conducted by the authorities,” Nepomuceno said.
“Additionally, we strongly urge companies to exercise caution and implement stringent measures to prevent similar incidents.”