No evidence US ship dumped human waste in Subic Bay

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Investigators have not found any "solid evidence" to prove that a US navy ship had dumped human waste into Subic Bay in Zambales.

In a statement, Zosimo Paredes, Visiting Forces Agreement Commission executive director, said the investigating body has found "inconclusive‚ the evidence presented by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

"It cannot be ascertained if the wastes came from the USS Russel or whether it washed down the shore due to the inclement weather and coincidentally swept by the side of the US vessel," he said.

Paredes said further investigations and research showed that US navy ships do not dispose solid human waste but processes and treats them before they are disposed.

"The commission is committed to uphold the national interest by ardently following its mandate to monitor the VFA-related exercises and assess the environmental, social and health impact of such activities and with this final statement, the commission hoped to finally put the issue to rest," he said.

Paredes said an SBMA safety inspector has surrendered the diskette containing pictures of the ship that allegedly dumped human waste, and that the digital camera has been forwarded to the commission.

"With inconclusive evidence and facts, the (SBMA) thought it just to withdraw the complaints," he said.

On the other hand, Rose Baldeo, whose Global Terminals Development Inc. provides logistical support to the US navy, said the photograph seized by the Americans shows that the guided missile destroyer USS Russel did not discharge human waste alongside Alava Pier.

"No human waste was seen," she said.

"The (US navy) vessels spend huge amounts in every port they visit for pumping out bilge water alone. The report human waste being discharge was a big lie."

Baldeo said the SBMA Ecology Department ignored due process when it "went over the heads" of higher authorities and cited the USS Russel before the ship or her firm could give their side.

"The department manager did not even bother to inspect the site or check the veracity of the hazard report on which she based her action," she said.

Paredes said the VFA Commission has warned SBMA officials against disclosing details of the allegation without conducting any investigation.

"Releasing information may only prove to be detrimental to the parties involved particularly to the cordial spirit under which the RP-US joint military exercise is revered and cherished," he said.

Earlier this week, SBMA officials filed a "notice of violation" against the USS Russel, alleging it dumped waste while docked at one of the piers there on July 27.

The ship, which was fined $10,000 for the violation, had taken part in a joint naval exercises with Filipino sailors which officially ended Wednesday.

Earlier this week, SBMA safety inspectors had received reports that the USS Russel was discharging human waste at the Alava Pier. –Bebot Sison Jr., AFP