The owner and operator of the power barge that blew up and spilled fuel oil off the coast of Iloilo City must pay compensation to coastal communities that suffered economic losses. AC Energy should also pay for the cleanup of the spill. The Oil Pollution Compensation Law of 2007 (Republic Act 9483) imposes strict liability for oil pollution damage and guarantees adequate reparation for adversely affected populations, especially those that depend on fishing and seashell harvesting.

Compensation for those affected by oil spill. (2020, July 7). Panay News, p. 7.