Owner of sunken MT Princess Empress apologizes, mulls compensation over Oriental Mindoro oil spill

The owner of the sunken motor tanker Princess Empress in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro has apologized for the oil spill that affected livelihoods and the environment in the area.

“We are truly sorry that this incident has affected the livelihoods of those living in the impacted areas and the spill's effect on the environment,”  the RDC Reield Marine Services said in a statement Sunday.

“We are committed to doing everything possible to minimize the ongoing impact on the environment and people's lives and clean up the spill,”  it added.

The RDC Reield Marine Services said it is already in contact with its insurance firm about possibly providing compensation for affected residents. 

“We are working closely with our insurers, and those affected by the spill will be duly advised on how to submit their claims for processing,” it added.

The RDC Reield Marine Services also said it is working with the Philippine government, international oil spill experts, and contracted responders to minimize the impact of oil cargo that has leaked from the vessel.

The owner presented its three-phase plan in addressing the oil spill.

Under Phase 1, emergency measures are in place to limit the oil reaching the shore. Phase 2 involves clean-up operations.

Lastly, Phase 3 is continuing the clean-up plan with ongoing engagement with government authorities and other stakeholders to ensure clarity and consensus on all aspects of the ongoing operations, the owner said.

“[International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited] will lead a series of joint surveys of affected sites with key stakeholders to formulate and implement effective clean-up plans with shared agreement on when to end operations,” it said.

On Monday, Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor said that almost a hundred thousand residents in the province have now been affected by the oil spill.

Dolor added that 122 residents in the province had already gone sick because of the effects of the oil spill. Some of them had respiratory-related symptoms, while others experienced vomiting and diarrhea.

He expressed hope that the oil slick would no longer reach their other coastal barangays as only 13 out of the 77 areas declared under state of calamity have direct contact with the spill.

In Pola town, Mayor Jennifer Cruz earlier said some residents suffered from headaches, stomach pain, dizziness, chest pain, cough, and cold.

Motor tanker Princess Empress was carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil when it sank due to strong waves on February 28. All 20 people on board were rescued.

According to the PCG, the motor tanker sank 400 meters into the ocean, which was too deep for divers to reach. —VAL, GMA Integrated News