A regional director of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has been ordered dismissed for grave misconduct and gross negligence of duty in connection with the sinking of the MTKR Princess Empress that resulted in a massive oil spill in February last year, affecting Oriental Mindoro’s marine ecosystem. In a statement, Transportation Secretary instructed Marina administrator Sonia Malaluan to immediately implement the dismissal of Region V Director Jaime Bea. Bautista affirmed Bea’s dismissal after it was reportedly confirmed that he was culpable of grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service over his role that led to the incident.

Macairan, E. (2024, August 15). Marina director sacked over Mindoro oil spill. The Philippine Star, pp. 1, 4.