ANTIQUE – A group of environmentalists in this province is supporting the provincial government’s plan to demand compensation from the owner of the sunken fuel tanker that caused the oil spill in the municipality of Caluya.
Save Antique Movement (SAM) president Virgilio Sanchez said the oil spill has affected the fishing and seaweed industries in the municipality.
“Immediately after we learned about the oil spill affecting the shorelines of Caluya, we came up with a statement for the local government unit to hold liable the owner of the motor tanker,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez also said SAM has many professional members, including lawyers, who could assist.
The organization also calls on other lawyers who could provide free services in filing charges for violations of Republic Act (RA) 9483, the Oil Pollution Law, RA 9275, the Clean Water Act, and RA 8550, the Fisheries Code.
He said a demand for damages could be made based on the violations of these laws.
“The SAM is glad that the governor has already expressed her intention to demand compensation for the damages since the fisherfolk could no longer catch fish, crabs, shrimps or gather shells because of the environmental disaster,” Sanchez said.
Gov. Rhodora Cadiao, after meeting with Caluya mayor Rigil Kent Lim, expressed her intention to demand damages.
Cadiao added that they would make the demand once the total damage assessment is available.
The Antique Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that 8,387 families in Caluya engaged in fishing and seaweed culture were affected by the oil spill as of March 11.
MT Princess Empress ran aground off the waters of Oriental Mindoro on Feb. 28 and eventually sank the following day, causing an oil spill.
The tanker’s owner, RDC Reield Marine Services, has formally apologized for the incident and assured all those affected that it is taking steps to address the problem and minimize its impact. (PNA)/PN
