An oil spill affecting approximately 500 square meters of coastal waters was reported in Mariveles, Bataan, on Thursday, involving around 25 liters of used oil, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said. The spill was detected at around 9:30 a.m. in Sitio Naswe, Barangay Ipag, with initial findings indicating that the substance may have originated from washing activities. However, its source remains under verification.
To contain the spill and prevent further spread, the PCG, together with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, deployed seven absorbent booms and 2,200 absorbent pads. Responders also installed additional oil spill barriers along the affected shoreline. As of 6:30 p.m., the response team had collected 800 kilograms of oil-contaminated debris and used absorbent materials, which were placed in 40 sacks for temporary storage at a secure location. Cleanup operations are scheduled to resume Friday as the PCG continues to assess the affected area and coordinate with local authorities to minimize environmental damage.
