US Coast Guard, weather team helping in oil spill response

Eight marine environmental and weather experts from the United States have arrived in Bataan to provide technical assistance to the ongoing recovery operations for three recent maritime incidents.

- EVELY MACAIRAN

In a statement, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said that the seven experts from the US Coast Guard (USCG) and one from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reached the Incident Command Post in Lamao Port in Limay, Bataan yesterday.

"They will lend their expertise maybe in the aftermath of the oil spill and the coastal management, while NOAA will advise us on the kind of weather and what would be the best strategy to apply given the kind of weather that we have in the country. They will be the ones that could help us in these aspects," PCG spokesman Armand Balilo said.

Terra Nova owner denies oil smuggling

Porta Vaga Ship Management Group, the owner of the sunken motor tanker Terra Nova, meanwhile, denied allegations that they are involved in oil smuggling.

"The owners of MT Terra Nova categorically deny the allegations of smuggling and involvement in pa-ihi operations," Porta Vaga said in a statement.

"Pa-ihi" is a process where oil from large vessels is transferred to smaller craft at sea to avoid paying taxes.