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Crew negligence eyed in Sagay port molasses spill

• GILBERT P. BAYORAN

The Philippine Coast Guard is looking into the possibility of negligence as the trigger of the molasses spill on Wednesday at the feeder port of Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

The water discoloration has affected about 1.3 hectares of the Sagay Marine Reserve (SMR), and results of the water analysis will be known on August 16, according to a statement issued by the concerned local government unit.

About 307 metric tons of molasses was reported to have spilled from a cargo vessel into the waters of the Sagay feeder port.

The Initial investigation conducted by the PCG indicated that M/T Mary Queen of Charity, is compliant with safety regulations, and its hull was found intact, upon inspection by divers. However, there are indications of possible negligence by the crew during the shore to ship operations, which is now the focus of the investigation.

Mayor Narciso Javelosa, Jr. reassured the public that the Sagay City government, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), PCG and the PNP Maritime Group, has been actively monitoring the situation since the incident occurred.

In collaboration with concerned government agencies, Javelosa said the city government has swiftly mobilized efforts to mitigate the impact of a molasses spill at the SMR, immediately after the incident.

Mayor Javelosa emphasized that the city government is committed to holding those responsible accountable, and exploring additional measures to prevent future incidents.

Operators of the M/T Mary Queen of Charity may face penalties ranging from P200,000 to P1 million for violating the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act of 2018, he added.

The city government is closely monitoring the situation of fisherfolk in nearby coastal communities, and assistance is being readied for distribution, if need arises, the local chief executive said.

Affirming the city’s dedication to transparency and effective response, Javelosa said they are working tirelessly to address the spillage issue and prevent any long-term damage.*

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