Coast Guard probes origin of minor oil spill in Palawan

The Coast Guard started investigating the origin of a minor oil spill off the coast of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan last Saturday after completing the cleanup of the affected shoreline yesterday.

Vice Admiral Damian Carlos, Coast Guard commandant, said the used oil that was washed ashore in Purok Sandiwa, Barangay Tiniguiban was promptly contained with the help of Petron Corp. and the residents.

"We have completed the cleanup and we are now determining where the used oil came from. Samples were taken for laboratory analysis so we can compare them with vessels transiting in the area," Carlos said in a text message.

An estimated 40 liters of used oil were reportedly washed ashore Saturday morning, affecting mangroves in the area.

Coast Guard officials said the oil spill, about 70 meters long and one meter wide, had no traces in the sea.