SBMA exec debunks reports of oil slick in Subic's waters

An official of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has denied reports of an oil slick off Grande Island here that came out over the weekend.

"There is no oil slick in the waters of Subic Bay," SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Jose Calimlim said Tuesday after making a thorough inspection off the coast of Grande Island where the oil slick reportedly originated.

Calimlim further pointed out that what they saw was scattered debris of garbage which appeared to have drifted in during the past few days.

He added that there was only presence of oil in thin layers that came along with the garbage.

"The oil sheen that we spotted was very thin and was possibly part of the debris that was floating around," Calimlim said.

The SBMA official gave his assurance that the oil-slicked garbage and debris washed back and forth by tidal action between the shores and rivers of the Freeport and nearby Olongapo will be attended to by concerned authorities in SBMA, which include the Seaport, Ecology and Maintenance Department.

Calimlim was accompanied by Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Percival Subala and Seaport General Manager Perfecto Pascual aboard the MV Binictican to patrol the Bay and make a quick inspection of the area.

The MV Binictican is an oil skimming vessel whose equipment has been loaned out to the Philippine Coast Guard to help clean up the massive oil spill along the Guimaras coastline.

Pascual said they have ordered the dispatch of garbage collector-type ships to help recover the floating debris of garbage.

"Our garbage collecting ships like the MV Binictican and utility boats like the MV Maritan have already been dispatched for clean-up drives. This is a concerted effort to preserve the bay," he noted.

Calimlim has also called on other SBMA departments and officials to help maintain regular clean up drives along Subic's shorelines to help preserve the beauty and pristine waters. (PNA)