Report: PCG points to Petron pipeline as source of Cavite oil spill

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday pointed to the submerged pipeline of Petron Corp. as the possible source of the diesel fuel that spilled in the waters of Rosario, Cavite.

Commander Joel Garcia, PCG  marine environmental protection command head, said divers have traced the leak to the Petron pipeline.

“Natukoy na namin at ito ay nanggagaling at nakita namin initially na may butas ang pipeline ng Petron terminal,” Garcia was quoted as saying in a Philippine News Agency report.

The submerged underwater pipeline is about two kilometers long  leading towards the sea where oil tankers connect to it to either load or unload oil products, according to Garcia.

He said they are now finding ways on how to stop the leak that has caused the oil spill, which he said may reach Manila Bay depending on the prevailing situation, including underwater current and wind direction.

In an earlier statement,  Petron said its pipeline is “intact and has no leaks”.

On Friday afternoon, Petron said in its latest statement that they will look into the PCG. report

“Yesterday, we conducted two pressure hydro tests and cleared the pipeline of the product. We will look into PCG's report," the statement said.

The company said its "efforts continue to be geared" towards monitoring and recovery operations in Rosario and Tanza in Cavite as there were minimal traces of sheen in the waters off these areas.

"Diesel is a non-persistent oil and we expect it to be dispersed soon. We continue to closely cooperate with local government authorities, PCG, and other concerned groups to resolve this situation immediately," Petron said. -Louis Bacani