The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday said the chemical spill that was discovered in Barangay San Miguel in Bauan, Batangas, is now under control.
In a press release, PCG said it inspected the affected shoreline on November 4 and discovered the chemical spill came from a facility that receives, stores and distributes chemical products under a tank lease agreement.
PCG said that the spilled chemicals were two drums of solvent Napha L (S100), an additive to paints and thinner products.
"It occurred during its loading at storage tank number 5 due to an untightened drain plug," PCG said.
"The containment area's control valve was also partially opened, causing the chemical substance to leak into the rainwater channel and eventually to the shoreline," it added.
According to Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog (CGDSTL), the source of the chemical spill had already been cut off when the investigation began.
Chemical spill recovery procedures were carried out by the PCG and the company's cleanup team members.
The company has already coordinated with the barangay officials and the affected residents to resolve issues and concerns.
Meanwhile, the CGDSTL issued an Inspection Apprehension Report (IAR) to the company for violating the PCG National Headquarters Memorandum Circular 11-14, dated December 19, 2014: "Procedures for the Dumping of Waste and Other Harmful Matters within the Philippine Maritime Jurisdiction."
