Despite the victims having already returned to their homes from the hospitals after the chemical spill along the coastal area in Barangay San Miguel, Bauan, Batangas, last Saturday (November 4, 2023), government officials emphasize that the company owners are not exempt from scrutiny.
Thorough investigations are underway, with officials expressing concern that the hazardous chemical spill into the shoreline and sea might have lasting effects on aquatic resources and the company owners may also be slapped with hefty fines and penalties for negligence and environmental damages.
According to Dr. Amor Calayan, the provincial disaster risk reduction management officer, the Batangas PDRRMO is still in the midst of discussions regarding the extended impact of the hazardous chemical that spilled into the sea, leading to the evacuation of more than 400 individuals.
"At the moment, we are still discussing this; it is not yet concluded. Our monitoring is still ongoing because even though the chemical may have disappeared into the sea, it could still be present in the sand and may affect health. We are still assessing the extent of damage to fish and the overall impact," said Dr. Calayan.
Two residents, aged 17 and 24, were hospitalized due to complaints of difficulty breathing and chest pains.
Emil De Roxas, the depot in charge of IMPEX Philippines Company Inc., confirmed that the leak originated from the company’s Tank Number 5 on the same day.
"When the chemical is spilled, we immediately contain it. However, during rainfall, the open area is exposed to rain, and we forget to close it. But it's only a small amount, almost just one drum," explained Roxas to investigating authorities.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) stated on Wednesday that it is investigating the possible violation of the company involved in the chemical spill.
In a statement, the PCG mentioned that the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog issued an Inspection Apprehension Report to the company for its violation of dumping waste and other harmful materials.
The Inspection Apprehension Report has already been received for adjudication.
If it is proven that the company was negligent, it may face an administrative fine ranging from P100,000 to P500,000 for every day the violation continues, according to the PCG.
On November 4, the PCG inspected the affected shoreline and discovered that the chemical spill came from a facility (IMPEX) that receives, stores, and distributes chemical products under a tank lease agreement.
Two drums of solvent Napha L (S100), an additive to paints and thinner products, had spilled from the facility, according to the PCG.
“It occurred during its loading at storage tank number 5 due to an untightened drain plug,” the 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 the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog, the source of the spill was already shut off when the inquiry started. Chemical spill recovery operations were conducted.
The company coordinated with barangay officials and affected residents to resolve issues and concerns, according to the PCG.
More than 460 families were evacuated due to the chemical spill, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) said.
Some of the affected individuals experienced vomiting and sore throats amid the pungent stench in the area.
The evacuees have already returned to their homes.
According to the storage facility, the solvent leaked from a tank with an improperly sealed hole. The barrier in the depot was also elevated, causing the chemical to spill into the sea, it added.
“We open it when it's raining. We forgot to close it, but only a little. Based on our computation, our loss was only about one drum,” said Emil de Roxas, who was in charge of the depot.
The Bauan local government has issued a closure order against the company that operates the depot.
While the PCG has already controlled the leakage, swimming, and fishing are still prohibited in the area due to the chemical spill.
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