DOJ recommends charges vs. MT Princess Empress officers, others

Prosecutors have recommended the filing of charges against the corporate officers of the MT Princess Empress, the ship that sank and caused an oil spill in Oriental Mindoro, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Wednesday.

According to the DOJ, the panel found that RDC Reield Marine Services, the company which owns the MT Princess Empress, submitted falsified documents, including a Construction Certificate and Affidavit of Ownership.

“Following a comprehensive evaluation of affidavits and evidence, the panel of DOJ prosecutors uncovered irregularities in certain documents related to the construction and certificate of public convenience of M/T Princess Empress,” the DOJ said.

The DOJ also said that the panel of prosecutors also recommended the filing of charges against two crew members of the MT Princess Empress, a personnel of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and a private individual.

When sought for comment, MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan said she has yet to receive official communication on the recommendation.

“But, if it is true and should DOJ find prima facie evidence that warrants filing of case, as Administrator of MARINA, I can assure our full cooperation,” she said in a statement.

The MT Princess Empress sank on February 28 off Najuan, Oriental Mindoro while carrying 900,000 liters of industrial fuel, affecting almost a hundred thousand residents in the province.

This led the National Bureau of Investigation-Environment Crime Division to file a complaint against 35 individuals before the DOJ in June 2023.

Aside from the owners, among the respondents were MT Princess Empress employees, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) employees, and two MARINA personnel. 

The DOJ said that the complaint against the other respondents were dismissed due to lack of probable cause.

For his part, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said that those responsible for the oil spill will be held accountable. 

“Negligence cannot be used as an excuse to destroy the environment and livelihood of people. It is important to be diligent on land and on our waters,” he said. —VAL/VBL, GMA Integrated News