At least 48,000 liters of bunker fuel were spilled into the Iloilo Strait, the body of water separating Iloilo City and the island province of Guimaras, after a power barge exploded Friday afternoon.
Based on the incident report of the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (Iloilo City DRRMO), various government response teams and volunteer fire groups have been trying to contain the spillage of bunker fuel in an area of more than 1,299 square meters.
Power Barge 102 owned by AC Energy Corp. was carrying around 200,000 liters of oil. The barge was previously owned by National Power Corp. (NAPOCOR).
“A pre-deployment plan is in place covering the coastal areas occupied by informal settlers,” the Iloilo City DRRMO said in a statement Friday night.
The Western Visayas offices of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) have units on standby to monitor the status of the spillage that may spread due to current of the water.