More than 400 people have been evacuated from Iloilo after about 250,000 liters of bunker fuel spilled from a power-generating barge into the sea, an official said Monday.
"The stench was so bad we have to move people away to two schools and last night there was a request for a third evacuation site," Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas said by telephone.
The spill began Friday when an accidental explosion on the barge blasted a hole in its hull.
There were no reported injuries. The accident has not affected the power supply to the commercial city of about half a million people because it has other power sources, Trenas said.
The coast guard said it is investigating and charges may be filed against the owners of the barge if needed.
