By Janine Dumaguin
Puerto Galera Mayor Rocky Iligan on Wednesday, March 22 urged the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI) to be responsible for projecting and disclosing oil spill information.
In the Laging Handa public briefing, Iligan said that due to UPMSI’s disclosed graphics of the oil spill reaching the town, it caused fears in tourists and residents, adding that it “affecting their livelihood.”
“Dapat naman nagiging responsible naman sila — na ‘yung livelihood ng tao naiisip nila dahil in actual wala naman talaga dito[ng oil spill],” Iligan said.
The Mayor clarified that two days ago, the water analysis results of the town was “negative” of oil spill traces yet they are still prepared if the slick will reach their coast.
Meanwhile, Iligan also believed that the oil spill was already contained due to the mitigating efforts of the government, therefore said that residents and tourists must not worry.
“Ngayon po kasi identified na talaga kung saan ‘yung exact location tapos napakagaling ng ginagawa ng Philippine Coast Guard — talagang contained na ‘yung area,” Iligan said.
“Ang mahirap kasi sa projection ni [MSI] hindi niya kino-consider ang ginagawa ng gobyerno do’n. So no’ng pinapakita niya lang ‘yung graphics natatakot tuloy ‘yung mga tao even ‘yung mga turista, ang dami naming cancellation,” Iligan added.
Iligan assured that they are prepared for the clean-up method and are still coordinating with other local government units in monitoring the oil spill. – gb
