(Taguig City)—The Department of Energy (DOE) is moving fast to contain the oil spill that occurred on November 6 within the vicinity of the DMCI Power Plant in Brgy. Sta. Isabel, Calapan City.

According to Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, the DOE is closely coordinating with concerned government agencies, such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), to contain the damage brought about by the oil spill in the area.

"The DOE is primarily concerned with the safety of the people in the vicinity,” Cusi said as he directed the DOE to coordinate with concerned industry players for regular updates on the containment activities, and information on the cause of the oil spill.             

The DOE is also working on how to secure the oil and power supply requirements to protect the welfare of consumers in the area following the disruption caused by the oil spill, he added.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, specifically its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), will look into possible violations of environmental standards.

The DOE will conduct with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and National Power Corp. (NPC), in coordination with local officials, a comprehensive performance assessment and audit of the entire power sector system and facilities in Mindoro this week to address the issue.

The DOE emphasized that during incidents like this, protocols to be followed should be in accordance with Department Circular No. ‎‎98-02-003 directing all operations of oil rigs or platforms, power plants, oil tankers and barges carrying, producing and/or utilizing crude oil-based products to report all oil spills or environmental incidents to the Department of Energy within 8 hours for verbal/preliminary report and 48 hours for written report.

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