By Janine Dumaguin
The company owner of the sunken MT Princess Empress on Sunday, March 12, issued an apology to those affected by the Mindoro Oriental oil spill and assured its continued efforts to lessen the impact of the incident, especially in the environment.
In a statement, RDC Reield Marine Services assured continued work with the Philippine government agencies, coast guards, experts, and responders.
“We are truly sorry that this incident has affected the livelihoods of those living in the impacted areas and the spill’s effect on the environment,” RDC Reield Marine Services said.
The company assured they “are committed to doing everything possible to minimize the ongoing impact on the environment and people’s lives and clean up the spill.”
Meanwhile, the company presented three phases in addressing the oil spill.
These include emergency steps under phase one, as well as mobilizing resources, combining various components, and cohesive strategy.
Phase two includes outlining of a detailed response plan and the last phase is the implementation of the clean-up plan in sea and shoreline in those affected areas.
The company also committed to compensate those affected residents and emphasized prioritizing clean-up operations.
“We are working closely with our insurers, and those affected by the spill will be duly advised on how to submit their claims for processing,” RDC Reield Marine Services said.
Motor tanker (MT) Princess Empress was carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil when it sank waters off Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on Feb. 28. – gb