NBI files raps vs execs of sunken MT Princess Empress, several others

LOCAL EFFORT. Villagers in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro collect the oil spill from sunken MT Princess Empress using indigenous booms made of coconut husks, fishnets and jute sacks in an effort to protect their coastal resources in this photo taken on April 1, 2023. The oil spill continues to take its toll on the livelihood of local fishermen. (PHOTO COURTESY OF KALIKASAN PEOPLE’S NETWORK FOR THE ENVIRONMENT)

MANILA, Philippines–The National Bureau of Investigation-Environmental Crime Division on Tuesday filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) a criminal complaint against 35 individuals in connection with the sinking of MT Princess Empress, which caused an oil spill in Oriental Mindoro and parts of Batangas province.

Facing complaints for multiple counts of falsification by a private individual and multiple uses of falsified documents under Article 172 in relation to Article 171 (7) of the Revised Penal Code are seven incorporators and directors of RDC Reield Marines Services Inc., six crew members of MT Princess Empress and 19 members of the Philippine Coast Guard for issuing an authenticated Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) when no original exists.

Multiple counts of falsification of public or official documents were also filed against two directors of Region V, and head of MARINA Shipyard in Region V and two company officials of RDC Reield Marines Services Inc. Two RDC Reield officials are also facing perjury complaints.

Pola, Oriental Mindoro Mayor Jennifer Cruz also stood as a complainant in the case.

Pola was among the towns that sustained the most damage from the oil spill.

The February sinking of the oil tanker has affected over 75 kilometers of coastlines. Based on the recent update from the Office of the Civil Defense of the affected coastlines, 66.433 km. have been cleaned.

Over 42,400 families from 107 affected areas in the provinces of Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Antique, and Batangas have been given various forms of assistance.

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JPV