SARANGANI (Mindanao Examiner / June 2, 2012) – Philippine authorities have seized two Malaysian vessels for dumping coal waste into the sea off Sarangani province in Mindanao.
The Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape-Protected Area Management Board (SBPS-PAMB) on Friday also passed a resolution to initiate legal action against the owners and crew of the tug boat Oceania 1 and cargo barge Oceania 2 for violating Philippine environment and fishery laws.
It said the vessels illegally anchored and dumped pollutants some 300 meters off the coast of Kapatan village. The area is part of the 215,000-hectare Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape.
Another resolution passed by SBPS-PAMB authorized Mayor Victor James Yap to deal with ship agents to talk about possible administrative penalty.
The vessels are owned by Woodman Miri Sarawak, of Malaysia.
Yap said he would file an administrative case against the owner, crew and local agent of Oceania 1 and 2 before the provincial prosecutor’s office on Monday. The SBPS-PAMB is still contemplating whether to file a separate criminal case against them. (Beverly Paoyon)
20