The operations of the RDC Reield Marines Service Company, the owner of the sunken motor tanker Princess Empress that caused a massive oil spill in Oriental Mindoro and other nearby areas, have been suspended.
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) said during the Department of Justice’s inquiry on Wednesday, March 22, that it has issued two cease and desist orders against the company.
“One is for purposes of cancellation of the franchise or the CPC [certificate of public convenience]. The other one is for the – to cease and desist in the operations,” MARINA Administrator Hernani Fabia said.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will also impose fines or administrative charges, with about P471,000 penalty per day “which would retroact to the day of the first sampling” on March 1.
More charges will be imposed overtime for possible criminal and civil liabilities upon the DENR’s investigation.
“We’re just awaiting the results of the laboratory tests, but we see us issuing a notice of violation soon,” DENR Undersecretary Ignatius Rodriguez said.
The inquiry was also attended by Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, and the Philippine Coast Guard.
Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla said the procurement for remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to expedite the cleanup drive on the oil spill are underway..
A formal inquiry is expected next week. A case is also expected to be filed two weeks after. AG/Report from Louisa Erispe-cf
