Philippines’ authorities will file criminal charges against those involved in the oil spill caused by the sinking of the MT Princess Empress off the coast of Oriental Mindoro in February.
The Department of Justice (DOJ), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have teamed up to prosecute those responsible for the disaster. At the same time, ongoing efforts are taking place to prevent further damage and to clean the oil spill.
We are determined to make sure that people would not forget that what happened was a crime and not an accident
…said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla on local news
A Senate investigation into the oil spill on March 14th revealed that the ship did not have permission to sail, and had done so not only once but nine times. As a result, MARINA has found probable cause to file administrative charges against RDC Reield Marine Services Inc., the owner of the sunken ship. Regulators are preparing charges against RDC for operating without authority or operating without a valid Certificate of Public Conveyance (CPC).
