SURIGAO CITY(January 14) — Authorities are racing to protect Siargao’s fragile coastal waters after a Philippine-flagged tanker ran aground along the shoreline of Barangay Poblacion 1 in Burgos, Surigao del Norte, prompting precautionary oil spill containment and underwater inspections near coral areas.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said no oil spill has been detected so far from MT Cheng Xian Feng 168, but environmental and technical assessments remain ongoing to rule out hull damage and reef impact.
What happened
According to the PCG, the 712-gross-ton tanker developed engine trouble on Jan. 10 while sailing from Cagayan de Oro City to Homonhon, Leyte. The vessel dropped anchor, but strong currents and heavy waves caused it to drift overnight, grounding along the Burgos shoreline.
The tanker was carrying around 3,500 liters of diesel for its own consumption.
“At around 4:30 a.m., all nine Filipino crew members, including the master, were safely brought ashore and were found to be in good physical condition,” PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab said.
Coral area under watch
Environmental concerns quickly surfaced after authorities confirmed that the tanker’s anchor landed roughly 10 meters from a coral area, raising alarms in a municipality known for its fishing grounds and proximity to Siargao’s marine ecosystems.
The Protected Area Superintendent (PASU) has secured the vessel crew’s records and reviewed the SIPLAS Protected Area Map to determine whether the tanker encroached on a protected marine site.
An underwater assessment will be conducted to evaluate possible damage to corals and marine habitats. Findings will be submitted to the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), which may decide on regulatory action, including a notice of violation, if warranted.
Fisherfolk, LGU on alert
Burgos Mayor Emmanuel N. Arcena said oil spill containment booms were immediately deployed around the tanker as a preventive measure ahead of towing operations.
“This is to ensure readiness in case of any leakage and to protect our coastal waters and marine life,” Arcena said, adding that the municipal government’s disaster risk reduction, environment, agriculture, planning, and information offices are closely coordinating with national agencies.
Local fishers expressed relief that no spill has been reported so far but said even a small leak could have serious consequences.
“Kung naay tagas, kami dayon ang maapektuhan — ang isda ug panginabuhian,” a fisher said, referring to nearby fishing grounds.
Towing, monitoring continue
The PCG said towing operations began at around 7:50 a.m. on Jan. 11, with the vessel’s agent arranging for a tugboat in coordination with the ship’s company. Additional support has been mobilized from Surigao City.
Once freed, the tanker is expected to remain under PCG custody in nearby Dapa, pending the completion of environmental and technical assessments.
Coastal surveillance continues, with authorities reporting no fuel leakage and only normal fuel consumption from the vessel’s systems.
No “supernatural” angle — PCG
The PCG also dismissed online speculation linking the incident to local folklore or supernatural claims, stressing that the grounding was caused by mechanical failure and adverse sea conditions, not anything else.
For coastal communities in northern Siargao, officials said the coming days will be crucial.
“Wala pa’y oil spill, ug mao na ang importante,” one local official said. “Pero kinahanglan bantayan gyud ni hangtod matapos ang assessment.”
