Manila Bulletin
House panel to probe Oriental Mindoro oil spill
A lawmaker is pushing for an investigation into the oil spill caused by the sunken MT Princess Empress in Oriental Mindoro, citing potential environmental damage.
Cavite Representative Elpidio Barzaga Jr. filed House Resolution No. 829 to conduct a legislative inquiry into the incident that occurred on February 28.
The sunken tanker was carrying approximately 800,000 liters of industrial oil.
The oil spill has already impacted around 10 municipalities and could potentially spread to other coastal areas like Palawan, Antique, and Romblon.
Environmental concerns include the potential damage to 20,000 hectares of coral reefs, 9,900 hectares of mangroves, and 6,000 hectares of seagrass.
Oceana, an international environmental group, urged the government to take immediate action to mitigate further harm to the Verde Island Passage, known as the world's center of marine biodiversity.
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An oil tanker, MT Princess Empress, carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil, capsized off the coast of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on February 28, 2023.
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A motor tanker, MT Princess Empress, carrying 800,000 liters of industrial oil, sank off Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on Tuesday, February 28, after encountering engine trouble and rough seas.
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Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda is pushing for a whole-of-government approach to address the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro.
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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported the detection of the possible sinking site of the MT Princess Empress oil tanker, approximately 1,200 feet or 400 meters below sea level, northeast of Pola town in Oriental Mindoro province.
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Over 24,000 hectares of coral reef in Oriental Mindoro are at risk due to an oil spill from the MT Princess Empress, which sank on February 28 carrying 800,000 liters of industrialized fuel oil.
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