AC Energy Philippines took full responsibility for the oil spill in Iloilo City and has committed its resources to quickly mitigate the impact on the environment and communities.
The Ayala-owned energy company reported that around 3:00 PM of July 3, the fuel tank of their Power Barge 102 in Iloilo City had an ‘unfortunate accident’ which led to the oil spill that affected communities in Iloilo and Guimaras. It immediately undertook measures to contain the spill and start clean-up operations of affected areas.
To further show its commitment, AC Energy on Saturday submitted its environmental management plan (EMP) to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB). The EMP details the Company’s courses of action and timeline of implementation to address the environmental impact of the oil spill.
In a technical conference last July 8, DENR-EMB stressed four key areas which AC Energy will implement: (1) completion of oil spill cleanup and ensuring that water quality is restored to safe levels; (2) continued monitoring of air quality and ensuring that air quality is safe before affected families are allowed to return to their homes; (3) proper collection and disposal of oil-contaminated materials and wastes; and (4) a rehabilitation plan for the affected mangrove areas and fisheries.
AC Energy vowed to continue its coordination with DENR, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), local governments of Iloilo City and Guimaras in the implementation of the EMP, taking into account their comments and recommendations.
PCG Complaint
On the reported criminal complaint lodged by PCG against the company, AC Energy said that they have not received a copy of the complaint yet thus they deem it premature to give specific comment on the case.
Nevertheless, the Company assured that it will continue cooperating in good faith with the PCG and the other government units and agencies to ensure that the oil spill clean-up is done properly and completed soon and that the needs of the affected communities and groups are provided for.
With all its efforts, AC Energy hopes to have demonstrated its serious commitment to do what is right for the affected communities and the environment.
“And while much work still needs to be done, we remain committed to ensuring that the clean-up and the assistance to the communities are carried out as quickly as possible,” AC Energy said in a statement.
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