The Department of Justice (DOJ) vows accountability for the individuals responsible for the recent capsizing of the three vessels in Bataan that resulted in an oil spill.
In a press release on Tuesday, the DOJ said that they vow to run after both the owners and personnel of the sunken MT Terra Nova and the two other troubled vessels.
The DOJ said that certain authorities would also be held liable, as they approved of the vessels’ seaworthiness despite the evident red flags it had.
"Ang goal natin ay kung meron mang nagkamali, kung meron mang conspiracy sa pag bigay ng lisensya, kailangan natin malaman yun dahil marami po talagang naapektuhang kababayan natin," Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV said.
(Our goal now is to know whether it was a mistake or if the conspiracy on someone providing them with a license is true. We need to know the truth because a lot of people are greatly affected by the incident.)
Meanwhile, the local government units (LGUs) will be aided by the DOJ in providing compensation to affected fisherfolks and residents for the disruption in their livelihoods.
To start, they have already joined the provincial government of Cavite in their dialogues with the owners, and insurance agents of the sunken vessels.
"It is very important to note that ‘Upholding the Rule of Law’ is not merely limited to the administration of justice amongst men, but also covers safeguarding and preserving the environment and our natural resources for the use of future generations. Anyone who tramples upon these precious wonders of nature shall be dealt with the full extent of the law," Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" C. Remulla stated.
The thousands of liters that spilled over the bodies of water in Bataan have reached nearby provinces like Cavite and Bulacan. The former was declared a state of calamity as several barangays were affected.
The thousands of liters that spilled into the bodies of water in Bataan have reached nearby provinces such as Cavite and Bulacan. The former was declared a state of calamity as several barangays were affected.
Authorities estimate that the damage caused to fisherfolk and marine and aquatic resources amounts to billions of pesos.
