DOJ eyes class suit vs those liable for Bataan maritime mishaps

MANILA, Philippines — A class suit is being eyed against those responsible for the three recent maritime mishaps in Bataan, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Friday.

“We’re looking into the angle of class suit already against the owners, and others who may be responsible for this,” he said in an ambush interview after an interagency meeting with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla.

“Tuloy-tuloy ang demandahan dito kasi may nakita kami talagang crime dito na ginawa,” Remulla added.

(The lawsuit here continues because we have seen a real crime committed here.)

The Justice chief noted that they discovered “significant findings” pointing out that there was an interconnection among the three incidents.

“We have significant findings today, which we will reveal in due time,” he said.

READ: Bataan maritime mishaps may be interconnected – Remulla

Remulla said the pieces of evidence are sufficient to file complaints against those responsible for the sunken motor tankers and vessels.

“Yes, definitely. We’re not talking about an accident here; we’re talking about crime. A crime was committed against our people,” he said.

“All three are interconnected, I believe, especially the first two,” he added.

Motor Tanker (MTKR) Terranova sank off Limay, Bataan last July 25.

The PCG said in an advisory also released on Friday that they are currently securing a second layer spill boom at ground zero to disperse escaping oil.

It added that private vessels are also working to stabilize oil spill booms and conducting sea surveillance for possible oil sightings.

Another tanker, the MTKR Jason Bradley, also capsized due to bad weather in the waters off Bataan last July 27.

PCG said they are still monitoring the area and are on standby to utilize oil dispersants, if necessary.

The MV Mirola 1, which was carrying diesel oil, also ran aground in shallow waters off the coast of Sitio Quiapo, Barangay Biaan, in Mariveles last July 31, causing the ship to tip over.

The PCG said it is likewise on the lookout for possible oil slicks.