Oil spill hit Cavite town mulls declaring state of calamity

MANILA -- The town of Rosario, Cavite is considering the declaration of a state of calamity after its coastal barangays were hit by oil spill.

Residents of the coastal areas in Rosario are now complaining of health problems a day after the oil spill was discovered. Fishermen said their source of livelihood has been affected.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel have yet to determine if the oil leaked from a pipeline of third party contractor of oil firm Petron or from motor tanker MV Makisig, which is docked in Rosario.

Seven barangays in Rosario and two in Tanza, Cavite are now suffering from the oil spill, with fishermen forced to sell their catch at a much lower price.

Some residents also resorted to collecting the gasoline, even as experts said the oil product is not suitable for use anymore.

Both Petron management and the ship captain denied responsibility for the spill.

In a statement issued on Friday, Petron said the oil spill could not have originated from its underwater pipeline as it was already sealed at the time of the oil spill.

"As of this morning, no [diesel] coming out of the pipe line (same as yesterday) as we have already placed the metal encasement on the pipe line. Our oil spill booms are still deployed over the site to contain any residue and personnel are using sorbent pads for the sheen. Divers are also monitoring the integrity of the seals and the metal clamp. Local government unit representatives and Philippine Coast Guard also on site to assist and verify," Petron said.

MV Makisig captain Avelino Casinillo, for his part, said the ship did not cause the spill because it was carrying an oil product different to the one observed in the waters of the Cavite.

Rosario Mayor Jose Ricafrente said he is eyeing charges against the people who will be proven responsible for the spill. He added he may also have to seek the closure of the Petron depot if investigation reveals the diesel came from one of its pipe lines.

In 2010, an oil spill