Japanese experts to check Mindoro oil spill site, assess response

Japan Coast Guard experts arrived in the country to assist in removing the oil spill from a sunken motor tanker in Oriental Mindoro.

According to Raffy Tima's report on "24 Oras," the team will head to the oil spill site to conduct an assessment of the damage together with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Saturday.

“These are the members of Japan Coast Guard’s national strike team which is the special expert unit for oil removal and oil control. Makakaasa kayo ng walang patid na suporta mula sa gobyerno ng Hapon,” said Nihei Daisuke, team leader of Japan Disaster Relief.

"Some of the equipment are in the process of being brought here but again, after we conduct the survey and assessment on the needs on the site we will take into consideration what equipment to use," Daisuke added.

"The offer of support from the government of Japan through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Coast Guard will indeed be a very good boost for us kasi yung source ng oil is yet to be addressed," said Vice Admiral Ronnie Gavan, PCG deputy commandant for administration.

It is estimated that five to 10 liters of oil per hour may be leaking from the sunken motor tanker, which is considered weak. But since it is 400 meters deep and is too deep for divers to reach, the actual condition of the ship's cargo is still uncertain.

Aside from Japan, the Philippine government is also communicating with the United States and South Korea for possible assistance in the cleaning operations.

“Baka may technology sila makatulong sa atin para ma-siphon or maangat natin yung barko na yun, but it all depends on the assessment,” said Commodore Teotimo Borja Jr., Deputy Commander, Marine Environment Protection Command.

The Japan Coast Guard said that the motor tanker Princess Empress was deeply submerged, but added it is not setting a deadline in helping the Philippines.

Earlier Friday, the the PCG conducted a simultaneous massive cleanup in the towns of Naujan and Pola.

The motor tanker which was carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil sank in heavy seas on February 28. All 20 people on board were rescued.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News