By Janine Dumaguin
Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor on Monday, March 20, said the Japanese vessel that will assist in the on-going oil spill clean-up operations is now in the vicinity of the sunken motor tanker (MT) Princess Empress.
“Nandyan na at personal nating inihatid dito ang barko ng Japan [and] we are expecting something is going to happen. Napakahirap pala talagang solusyunan ang problema,” Dolor said.
“But with the ROV [Remotely Operated Vehicle] na nandito na sa atin mas maliwanag na. May pag-asa [at] magsisimula dito ang pag-asa,” Dolor added.
Meanwhile, Dolor expressed concern over the sacrifices of the coast guards especially on its lack of proper equipment in containing the oil spill as well as its daily needs.
“Ang oil spill nandyan na pero we cannot afford another casualty. We cannot afford another problem on the health of our people — and coast guard personnel are our people, they are our soldiers, they are employees,” Dolor said.
The governor also assured to provide the needs of not only the affected residents but also of its workforce.
Dolor during his visit to the location of the sunken tanker said that he is more determined to resolve the crisis as he personally saw the oil spill in the Naujan vicinity waters. – gb
