By Gabriela Baron
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) recommended the suspension of personnel who cleared and handled motor tanker (MT) Princess Empress documents, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported Monday, May 22.
MT Princess Empress was carrying 800,000 liters of industrial oil when it sank off Oriental Mindoro waters last Feb. 28, causing an oil spill in nearby towns.
“Ginawa na namin lahat ng dapat gawin at kung mayroon pang idadagdag ang DOTr, we will respect the DOTr’s decision. We will cooperate,” PCG Spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said in an interview.
“Right from the start, nag-conduct kami ng internal investigation and we already suspended the involved personnel,” Balilo added.
The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) earlier issued cease-and-desist orders against the owner of the oil tanker. – ag
