Oil spill hits Davao City port

An oil spill was recorded at Km. 11, Davsam Port in Davao City, the Philippine Coast Guard reported on Thursday.

The report said PCG Southeastern Mindanao, through its Marine Environmental Protection Force (MEPForce) and Special Operations Group (SOG), has responded to the oil spill after receiving a call from Coast Guard Station Davao at around 8:00 p.m. on 2 January 2024.

"Responding urgently, MEPForce-SEM, CGS Davao, CGSS KM 11, and SOU-SEM, swiftly headed to Km. 11, DavSam Port to verify the situation," the PCG said.

Upon evaluation of the said oil spill, MEPForce-SEM identified the spilled substance as sludge oil with approximately 200 cubic meters in depth.

"In addition, MEPForce-SEM's Oil Spill Response Team utilized oil spill absorbent boom and absorbent pads to conduct containment and recovery efforts, resulting in the retrieval of roughly 30 liters of oil. Accordingly, the source of spill is still subject for further verification," according to the PCG report.