THE interagency task force created to address the oil spill off Bataan will conduct weekly inspection and briefing to inform the public on affected marine areas to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos made the announcement as the Department of Justice (DoJ) vowed to run after those liable for the recent capsizing of three vessels off Bataan that resulted in thousands of liters of diesel spreading in waters in the provinces of Cavite and Marinduque.
Latest estimate on the extent of damage caused by the oil spill on marine and aquatic resources and the livelihood of fisherfolk is being pegged by the billions of pesos.
Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN
Aside from running after the owners and personnel of the sunken MT Terra Nova and two other troubled vessels, authorities will also hold liable those who approved the seaworthiness of the ships despite the very evident red flags, Abalos said.
“Our goal is that if someone committed a wrongdoing, if there was a conspiracy in the granting of the license, we need to know,” DoJ Assistant Secretary and spokesman Jose Dominic Clavano IV said.
Aside from the filing of cases, Clavano said, the DoJ would also aid local government units to compensate affected fisherfolk and residents.
The DoJ joined the provincial government of Cavite in dialogues with the owners and insurance agents of the sunken vessels.
“DoJ fact-finding committee meeting is [August 11] then we will meet with the insurance companies shortly after,” Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla said.
Last Saturday, Abalos conducted an aerial inspection to determine the extent of the damage of the oil spill.
MT Terranova was carrying 1.4 million liters of diesel when it sank off Lamao Point, Limay, Bataan, last July 25.
Two days later, MT Jason Bradley capsized off the village of Cabcaben in Mariveles, Bataan, due to bad weather on July 27.
On July 31, MV Mirola 1, which was carrying two tankers filled with diesel, ran aground off Sitio Quiapo in the village of Biaan, Mariveles, Bataan.
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