I Love Pinoys

By DAVID DIZON
abs-cbnNEWS.com

Experts from a United Nations task force that was dispatched to the Philippines following the capsizing of the M/V/ Princess of the Stars in Romblon province last month said that they have yet to detect a toxic chemical leak from the ill-fated vessel.

The experts also told the media covering a press conference at the Philippine Ports Authority office in Manila Friday that no observable oil sheen and fish kills were seen in the area of the capsized vessel off San Fernando town.

However, environmental monitoring is needed before, during and after the salvaging of the vessel that was found to be carrying a cargo of pesticides.

UN experts proposed that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management Bureau and the Bureau of Fish and Aquatic Resources to collect water samples, sediments, fish and marine life periodically for testing.

Experts likewise proposed to drill for samples on August 1 before the actual salvaging of the vessel.

The UN task force also said that it wants more research done on packaging if seawater and corrosion results in the leakage of the pesticides from their containers now deep inside the vessel’s cargo hold.

The vessel owned by beleaguered Sulpicio Lines, Inc. capsized at the height of a typhoon’s onslaught on June 21. It was carrying 864 passengers and crewmen.