Oil spill hits diving spot, but execs say volume small

CEBU CITY—The Philippine Coast Guard is investigating the cause of an oil spill detected in the waters near Piscador Island, a known diving spot in Moalboal town, about 88 kilometers southwest of here.

Agapito Bibat, Coast Guard station commander, said authorities have yet to determine the cause of the spill but the area is part of the Tanon Strait where vessels pass by.

He said experts would conduct laboratory tests on the oil collected in the water to determine the identity of the vessel that was responsible for the spill.

The owner of the vessel that caused the spill would have to pay a fine, he said.

Bibat said Coast Guard personnel and several residents cleaned up the oil at the shoreline using shovels and had collected at least 30 sacks.

He, however, said the oil spill was no cause for concern as the volume of oil that spread in the water and onto shore was small.

The spill, he said, may have taken place on Friday night.

Bibat said the spill has started to disappear by yesterday afternoon.