Coast Guard sues firm for negligence over oil spill in Iloilo

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has filed a criminal complaint against the operator of a damaged power barge that spilled thousands of liters of bunker fuel into the waters of Iloilo and Guimaras Island. In a complaint filed at the Iloilo Provincial Prosecutor’s Office on Friday, the PCG accused AC Energy Philippines and its officials of violating Republic Act No. 8550 (Fisheries Code) for negligence that led to the oil spill which contaminated 88.8 hectares of mangroves and 27 coastal villages in Iloilo City, Dumangas town in Iloilo province and Guimaras Island. “Let this incident be a reminder to all industry stakeholders that even the slightest negligence can pose direct or indirect threat on the health and safety of the people, as well as living and nonliving aquatic resources,” Vice Adm. George Ursabia Jr., PCG commandant, said in the statement.