Sustained investigation as well as “immediate and effective measures” to contain the Oriental Mindoro oil spill which has spread to Verde Island in Batangas City should be implemented to prevent further damage to the environment and loss of livelihood. Oceana Philippines, Greenpeace Philippines, and the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) made the call during a recent public forum as they warned of the continued spread of oil slicks from the sunken motor tanker (MT) Princess Empress. The oil spill was triggered by the sinking of MT Princess Empress off Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on Feb. 28. The tanker was carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported.

Santos, J. (2023, March 24). Sustained probe, effective oil spill containment measures sought. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 9.