The release of some 300 liters of oil from a capsized fishing boat into the Balincaguing River in Agno, Pangasinan, last week has alarmed local residents, who say it could happen again and hasten the river’s deterioration. Lydia Colobong, vice president of the Agno Concerned Citizens for Ecologically Secured and Sustainable Development Inc., said the incident should serve as a wake-up call for the town’s officials to act now. The Balincaguing River, which the Department of Environment and Natural Resources classified as Class B, or suited for recreational activities, is a major river system that originates from the Zambales mountains and snakes through the towns of Mabini, Burgos and Agno, all in Pangasinan, before draining out to the West Philippine Sea.

Cardinoza, G. (2015, April 23). Oil spill hastens deterioration of river. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A6.