OCD: State of calamity in Pola, Oriental Mindoro due oil spill now lifted

The state of calamity over Pola, Oriental Mindoro due to the impact of the oil spill in February 2023 has been lifted on Monday, the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) said.

In a statement, the OCD said its deputy administrator for administration Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV attended an event in Pola in view of the lifting of the state of calamity.

“This event is set to commemorate the response, rehabilitation and recovery efforts of local and national government agencies, and private sectors to all affected coastal barangays due to the oil spill tragedy brought about by the sunken MT Princess Empress,” the OCD said.

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

A total of 200,244 people or 43,699 families were affected in 264 barangays in Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported as of February 6.

Around 211 experienced illnesses due to the oil spill.

Damage to agriculture worth P4,929,242,581 was reported.

Assistance worth P847,106,904 was provided to the victims, according to the NDRRMC.

On February 14,  the Department of Justice (DOJ) said prosecutors have recommended the filing of charges against the corporate officers of the MT Princess Empress.

The panel found that RDC Reield Marine Services, the company which owns the MT Princess Empress, submitted falsified documents, including a Construction Certificate and Affidavit of Ownership.

“Following a comprehensive evaluation of affidavits and evidence, the panel of DOJ prosecutors uncovered irregularities in certain documents related to the construction and certificate of public convenience of M/T Princess Empress,” the DOJ said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News