DENR investigates possible oil spill in Manila Bay

The water of Manila Bay at the portion of Mall of Asia in Pasay City amid the enhanced community quarantine in 2020. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and authorities in the Manila City local government unit are investigating a possible oil spill in Manila Bay.

According to a report from Manila’s Department of Public Services (DPS) dated Monday, they had observed a possible oil spill activity while they were conducting regular clean-up along the shoreline of Manila Bay in Roxas Boulevard on Saturday.

“Yellow stains can be seen in the water surrounding a yacht moored beside the sea wall of the Manila Yacht Club,” the DPS said in its report.

The DPS said the Manila Bay Coordinating Office (MBCO) then conducted an ocular inspection at the area together with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

According to DENR, the possible oil spill spread about 500 meters. The DENR also took samples of the water which were sent to the Environmental Management Bureau to determine if it was contaminated with oil.

Following the incident, the DPS noted that “spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, or dumping oil and gas, ballast water and other wastes from any marine vessel or fishing boat using, in transient or navigating its waters are prohibited” under the Manila City Ordinance No. 8371 or the Environmental Code of the City of the Manila.

Violation of the ordinance could lead to a penalty of P600 for first offense, or it can lead to closure of the concerned establishment and revocation of business permit on the fourth offense, according to DPS.

The DPS said it is coordinating with the DENR-MBCO regarding the detailed report on the result of water quality analysis on samples taken from the bay.

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JE