An association of small fishers on Tuesday called on authorities to fast-track response measures a month after the oil spill incident in waters off Oriental Mindoro that has so far reached 14 towns and cities in central Philippines. In a statement, Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya (PAMALAKAYA) national chairperson Fernando L. Hicap said that about 18,000 fisherfolk from the affected areas are still unable to return to their livelihood. “One month after the oil spill tragedy, accountability remains elusive. In Oriental Mindoro, fisherfolk in several towns are expressing frustration over the slow and arduous process of obtaining compensation from the company that owns the MT Princess Empress, the vessel responsible for the oil spill,” he said.

Talavera, S. J. (2023, March 29). Small fishers group calls for faster response in Mindoro oil spill; DoT to give alternative livelihood training to tourism workers. Business World, p. S1/10.