IN what appears to be an indirect admission of what looks more like a humongous problem caused by the Bataan oil spill, the Department of Justice (DOJ) vowed to hold “authorities” and the corporate people behind the sunken ships accountable in both criminal and civil aspects.
In a statement, the DOJ particularly hinted at the owners and personnel of the sunken MT Terra Nova, MT Jason Bradlet and MV Virola I for damages to the environment, fuel smuggling and culpable violations of local maritime laws.
The agency likewise assured that authorities who approved seaworthiness of the sunken ships would also be charged.
“Ang goal natin ay kung meron mang nagkamali, kung meron mang conspiracy sa pagbibigay ng lisensya, kailangan natin malaman yun dahil marami po talagang naapektuhan kababayan natin,” Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano IV said.
Clavano however declined to elaborate on the agencies being referred to as conduits to the alleged “conspiracy.”
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Cispin Remulla also hinted at helping local government units assist affected fisherfolk and residents, adding that the agency has also initiated dialogues between the provincial government of Cavite and owners and insurance agents of the sunken vessels.
According to the DOJ chief, the agency’s mandate is not limited to upholding the rule of law and administration of justice, adding that their job includes “safeguarding and preserving the environment and our natural resources for the use of future generations.”
“Anyone who tramples upon these precious wonders of nature shall be dealt with to the full extent of the law,” he warned, in reference to MT Terra Nova which was carrying 1.4 million liters of fuel when it “capsized and eventually submerged” in waters off Bataan province.
Oddly though, government agencies have varying data on the extent of the oil spill – Philippine Coast Guard claimed oil from MT Terra Nova had already spread about 12 to 14 kilometers across Manila Bay, while another agency which conducted an aerial survey hinted at 3.5 to 7.4 kilometers going southeast. (ANGEL F. JOSE)
