Oriental Mindoro sets up claims office for MT Princess Empress oil spill victims

The Oriental Mindoro provincial government and the insurers of the sunken oil tanker MT Princess Empress are establishing a claims office at the provincial capitol to process claims from victims of the oil spill.

Forms for claims, translated into Filipino with security features, will be available starting March 31, with priority given to registered subsistence fishermen, fish vendors, small traders, fishing vessel owners, resort owners, and individuals involved in tourism.

The tanker MT Princess Empress is reportedly insured for $1 billion.

Despite the absence of visible oil in some areas, water activities remain prohibited, leading to canceled bookings and zero income for businesses like beach resorts.

Affected workers, fisherfolk, and small entrepreneurs are growing impatient with the claims process, with some traveling long distances expecting to file claims earlier than anticipated.

A lawyer representing the insurers has asked for public patience, citing a slight delay in form availability due to claims processor training in Singapore.