by Tara Yap, Manila Bulletin, 12 Jul 2020
ILOILO CITY—The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-6) started its own probe on probable safety violations when a damaged power barge triggered an oil spill that affected mostly coastal communities in Iloilo City.
DOLE Western Visayas Director Cyril Ticao led the ocular inspection of the power barge owned by AC Energy Philippines.
“We strongly expect the barge owner [AC Energy] to cooperate with us,” Ticao said.
DOLE’s inspection team focused its probe based on what was stipulated in Republic Act No. 11058 or the new Occupational Safety and Health (OSH Law).
This was after bunker fuel leaked from Power Barge 102 last July 3 when its hull was torn by an explosion. The oil spill has spread to several coastal areas in nearby towns of Guimaras and Iloilo provinces.
An initial probe conducted by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) found that acetylene torch was used inside one of the power barge’s tanks where repair work was being done, and this allegedly ignited flammable fumes.
Ticao also said DOLE inspectors were also looking into complaints of alleged lack of personal protective equipment (PPEs) among newly-hired workers for the cleanup operations in retrieving bunker fuel.
While Ticao cautioned it was still early to reach a conclusion, he urged AC Energy to reassess its own occupational and safety policies.
June 2025
Philippine Environment Month!
“Action for Nature, for the Future!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations
against serious violations of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands #Distancing #TakePicturesVideosturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
1 Jun – World Day of Parents
5 Jun – World Environment Day
7 Jun – World Food Safety Day
8 Jun – World Oceans Day
12 Jun – World Day Against
Child Labour
15 Jun – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
16 Jun – International Day of Family Remittances
17 Jun – World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
20 Jun – World Refugee Day
25 Jun – Day of the Seafarer
27 Jun – Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day
Daily Observances:
First Saturday of July:
International Cooperative Day
in the Philippines
