ILOILO City – Apart from investigations of environmental agencies, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 6, too, started its own investigation of the oil spill here following an explosion at a power barge.
The probe focuses on possible breaches to Republic Act 11058 (New Occupational Safety and Health Law) and Department Order No. 198-18 (Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Act).
Regional Director Cyril Ticao led a group of Technical Safety Inspectors on July 6 in checking the vicinity of the AC Energy Corp.-owned power barge.
The investigation centered on the occupational safety and health policies implemented by the company including but not limited to provision of personal protective equipment to its employees, technical capacity of employees considering the nature of their work, and if there is any OSH violation which resulted to the oil spill.
When asked about the result of the investigation, Ticao said it was premature to release any findings as the investigation was still ongoing.
He further stated that two engineers were assigned to closely coordinate with the company.
The regional DOLE office is also looking into complaints with regard to the alleged lack of PPEs of newly-hired personnel tasked to contain the oil spill.
“We strongly expect the barge owner to cooperate with us,” said Ticao./PN
