source: www.gmanetwork.com
The
US will work with the Philippine government in assessing the damage to the
Tubbataha Reef caused by the grounding of USS Guardian, according to a
statement the US Embassy in Manila issued Friday.
Ambassador
Harry K Thomas Jr. also said in the statement the US will take steps to address
the environmental issues that have arisen from the incident.
Moreover,
Thomas expressed “profound regret” for the damage the USS Guardian, a
68-meter-long Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship, has inflicted on a
UNESCO heritage site.
“I
recognize the legitimate concerns over the damage caused to a unique and
precious wonder of nature, internationally recognized for its beauty and
biological diversity,” he said.
He
also emphasized that the US embassy, along with the military, are working in
commitment with their Philippine counterparts to remove the ship immediately to
prevent further damage to the reef.
On
January 17, The USS Guardian, ran aground on Tubbataha Reef after canceling a
scheduled fuel stop at Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.
The
Guardian was en route to Indonesia after a one-day port call at the Subic Bay,
a former US Naval Base in Luzon.
No
one was injured during the incident but both the ship and the Tubbataha Reef
sustained damage.
The
ship was described to be “badly” damaged as the reefs left several puncture
holes to its hull, causing water to flood in.
Meanwhile,
the full extent of damage to the 97,030-hectare Tubbataha Reef is to be
determined upon the removal of the ship.
Authorities
are inclined to the idea of extricating the ship through a crane ship, among
other options such as dismantling it.
The
Philippine Coast Guard and naval forces are also investigating the incident,
even as park officials are determined to fine the US Navy after total damage to
the reef shall have been determined. — LBG, GMA News
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