PCG to file raps vs. owner of barge involved in Iloilo oil spill if warranted

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday said it will file criminal raps against the owner of the barge involved in an oil spill incident in Iloilo if warranted.

"The PCG will file criminal charges against the owner of Power Barge Number 102, if warranted," it said in a statement.

It added that the PCG's Legal Affairs Team will fly to Iloilo City to assist in the probe.

On Saturday, the PCG shared photos of its recovery operation after an estimated 40,000 liters of bunker oil spilled in the waters off Zone 3, Barrio Obrero in Lapuz, Iloilo City last Friday.

According to initial investigation, one of the four tanks of Power Barge Number 102 exploded.

"Immediately, the PCG and Power Barge Number 102 laid several segments of oil spill boom to contain the spilled oil," the PCG said.

Oil skimmers were then deployed for the recovery operation.

Five additional segments of oil spill boom were laid out by the PCG to protect the mangrove area nearby.

The PCG said the Bureau of Fire Protection and private oil companies also assisted in terms of manpower and equipment in the containment and recovery operations. —KG, GMA News