DENR: P7B worth of coral reefs, mangroves, fisheries possibly exposed to Mindoro oil spill

Marine resources worth P7 billion were possibly exposed to the oil spill from the sunken MT Princess Empress in Oriental Mindoro, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said Thursday.

“We have actually calculated what could be exposed by way of coral reefs, seagrass, mangroves, and fisheries. The possible exposure area for us is about P7 billion,” DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said in an interview on ANC.

She added the DENR now needs to verify on the ground the possible damage of the oil spill.

According to Loyzaga, oil continues to spill from the sunken motor tanker because not all leaks have been blocked yet.

“I understand that there are only about two left of the leaks actually generating oil,” she said.

The DENR secretary said she had a meeting with shipowners associations to discuss some gaps in the policies and laws to prevent another oil spill in the future.

“I have met with shipowners associations already. And we discussed organizationally, functionally, legally, and policy and practice-wise where are the gaps on how we can prevent such an incident from happening again,” she said.

These gaps include the agencies involved in permitting, policies in accrediting vessels, as well as corporate and other interests, according to the DENR chief.

She added that the classification of ships and the number of permits should also be considered in the possible changes.

Loyzaga said they are planning to create a technical working group on policy changes that are also prevention-related and not just response-related.

She said policy changes should also be imposed on mining and reclamation projects.

MT Princess Empress was carrying 900,000 liters of industrial fuel oil when it sank due to strong waves on February 28. All the 20 people on board were rescued.

According to the PCG, the motor tanker sank 400 meters into the ocean, which was too deep for divers to reach.

On Tuesday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the DOJ will seek a writ of kalikasan against those responsible for the oil spill should they fail to act.

Remulla said the DOJ will file the case against both government officials and private citizens if they fail to meet the deadline set by the oil spill inter-agency committee.

“Meron kaming deadline na binigay and if they are not able to abide by the deadline, we will file a writ of kalikasan case,” he said.

The writ of kalikasan is a remedy for unlawful actions "on behalf of persons whose constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology is violated, or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or private individual or entity, involving environmental damage of such magnitude as to prejudice the life, health or property of inhabitants in two or more cities or provinces."—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News