Courtesy: PCG
THE House Committee on Ecology, chaired by Biñan City Rep. Marlyn Alonte, on Tuesday began its inquiry into the oil spill incidents in Bataan involving the fuel tankers MT Terra Nova and MTKR Jason Bradley.
The inquiry includes the assessment of the environmental damage and aims to ensure accountability of those behind it.
The MT Terra Nova capsized on July 25 at the height of Typhoon Carina, spilling 1.4 million liters of oil off Limay, Bataan. One crew member died, while 16 were rescued.
Two days later, MTKR Jason Bradley sank off Mariveles, Bataan, with no cargo on board, though fuel leaks were discovered by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) divers.
The PCG reported deploying 1,400 personnel and 20 assets to mitigate the oil spill and directed all coast guard stations to monitor the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), meanwhile, produced 2,223 pieces of oil spill booms. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is also continuously conducting on-site fish sampling and sensory evaluation.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) informed the panel that it sent 36,145 family food packs and financial assistance to 13,704 beneficiaries.
The Department of Transportation and PCG are continuously updating the National Oil Contingency Plan.
The DENR also assured the committee that it is taking measures, such as air quality assessment and laboratory analysis debris management facilitation, in coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, to ensure that these incidents are properly addressed.
Following the presentation of the involved agencies, Cavite Rep. Ramon “Jolo” Revilla III raised concerns about the jeopardized livelihood of Cavite fisherfolk and urged the prompt release of investigation reports to inform the residents about the status of the spill and its impact on their livelihoods.
Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas requested clarification and documentation of the investigation, questioning compensation efforts for affected residents.
Alonte emphasized the urgency of compensating affected residents and addressing the disaster efficiently. She urged for coordinated action and immediate delivery of compensation, stressing the importance of moving beyond finger-pointing to deliver tangible results for those affected.
