A merchant ship carrying 53,000 metric tons of toxic substance recognized as from Gwangyang Port, South Korea was intercepted in Zambales Friday, the Philippine Coast Guard said yesterday.
Crane operators and several crew were already unloading the toxic substance when a team from the PCG and the National Bureau of Investigation arrived at Cabangan Wharf, Cabangan, Zambales to prevent the operation.
It was disclosed that the master of the ship failed to present the cargo permits covering the operation, resulting to his and the crew’s arrest.
Inspection revealed that the Liberian-flagged merchant ship was carrying phospho gypsum, which, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, is classified as “radioactive” due to the presence of naturally occurring radioactive elements.
It was also learned that the cargo was intended to be hauled in San Mateo, Rizal.
Meanwhile, a container filled with assorted electronic waste also from South Korea was uncovered at the Manila International Container Port Thursday, the Bureau of Customs said yesterday.
Instead of used television parts and electric parts, the shipment involving a 40-foot container contained electronic waste which is a prohibited importation.
According to the bureau, the shipment was consigned to Vision Restore and Equipment Corp. Records showed that it arrived at the MICP on Nov. 6, 2019 from South Korea. (Betheena Unite)
