DOJ: MT Terranova may have been involved in oil smuggling

The Department of Justice said on Saturday that it was investigating whether the sunken MT Terranova, which caused an oil spill off Bataan's Limay town, may have been involved in oil smuggling or “paihi” with other vessels while at sea.

“May intelligence reports naman na ‘paihi’ system ang umiral. Tapos ‘yung isa pang tumaob na vessel, walang makina… Ginawa  nilang tanker pero hinihila lang,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin  Remulla said in a radio program, as also cited in a 24 Oras Weekend  report by Darlene Cay.

(There are intelligence reports that the 'paihi' system was in effect. The other sunken vessel had no engine... They converted it into a tanker but it was just being towed.)

Under the “paihi” system, oil from a large vessel is transferred to smaller crafts at sea to avoid paying taxes.

Remulla added the Philippine Coast Guard would also be investigated, as the  movement of the MT Terranova should have been monitored.

On the part of the PCG, the agency said they would cooperate with the investigation.

“We assure everybody that a full investigation will proceed after the oil has been cleared from the site. The assurance also is we will impose appropriate sanctions to our people if they are found after investigation to be involved in this. But for now, we are focused on our mission, which is to prevent the oil spill,” PCG Commandant Admiral  Ronnie Gil Gavan said.

GMA Integrated News has yet to receive a statement from the representative of the owner of the MT Terranova regarding the matter.

Personnel from the US Coast Guard meanwhile were expected to arrive next week to assist Philippine authorities in responding to the oil spill.

An oil sheen was still present from aerial surveillance as authorities continued their operations to lessen and contain the oil leak.

Oil booms had been installed while Philippine Coast Guard vessels were positioned to prevent the oil from spreading, including the BRP Sindangan which sprayed oil dispersants.

“Ang purpose niyan, kasi  ang oil medyo thick siya, idi-dissolve niya para mag-break siya at  mag-evaporate… Gumagamit din tayo ng water cannon,” said Gavan.

(Its purpose, since the oil is quite thick, is to dissolve the oil so that it breaks and evaporates... We are also using water cannons.)

Metal caps had also been formed as a replacement for the capping bags that were previously used to cover the valves of the vessel.

The siphoning operation to remove the oil from the vessel may be conducted after two weeks.

On July 25, one crew member died and 16 others were rescued after MTKR  Terranova capsized and sank 3.6 nautical miles east off Lamao Point in Limay town.

Aside from MTKR Terranova, two ships — MTKR Jason Bradley with 5,500 liters of diesel and MV Mirola 1 with used oil and  diesel — were found to have leaks after sinking off Bataan waters. — Jamil Santos/DVM, GMA Integrated News