The Philippine Coast Guard on Thursday said siphoning operations of the oil from the sunken vessel MT Terra Nova will begin “not later than two weeks from now.”
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources also reported that preliminary results from its fish sampling indicate some degree of petrochemical tainting in fish samples from Noveleta and Rosario in Cavite following the oil spill.
However, fish samples from Tanza, Cavite City, and Naic remained free from contamination at this time.
In a statement, the PCG said that all valves and “high-level alarm pipes” of the tanker, which was carrying approximately 1.4 million liters of oil, have been capped while the working barge and receiving tanker to be used in the recovery operation have been positioned on site.
PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered the replacement of the initial capping bags with metal caps to ensure that oil siphoning would be done safely.
The PCG chief said necessary control and containment as well as clean-up measures are ongoing in coordination with the local government, other national government agencies, and partners in the private sector.
BFAR, meanwhile, said it continues to conduct fish sampling and testing in affected areas across Central Luzon, Calabarzon and the National Capital Region.
Laboratory tests for harmful substances are being conducted to verify the safety of fish and other seafood for consumption.
As a precautionary measure, BFAR advises against consuming fish harvested from areas where oil slicks have been observed.
The Department of Health, in a related report, advised Cavite residents to exercise caution as the oil spill poses significant risks to public health, causing harm through direct physical contact and by contaminating food sources and habitats.
Depending on the type of contact, individuals may experience immediate health effects such as Inhalation may cause nausea, eye irritation, increased blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, headache, loss of appetite, and difficulty concentrating.
Skin contact may lead to skin irritation, blisters, burns, peeling skin, and dermatitis. Ingestion may result in vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, coughing, irritability, and unconsciousness. Ingesting large amounts may lead to convulsions, coma, or death.
