The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced on Sunday, August 4, that it is looking into whether the two sunken oil tankers and the ship which ran aground had engaged in oil smuggling or "paihi," in which ships would obtain oil from bigger vessels to elude taxes.
In a statement, PCG National Capital Region (NCR)- Central Luzon Spokesperson Lieutenant Commander Michael John Encina said an investigation is underway to determine the reason behind the MT Terranova's, MTKR Jason Bradley's, and the MV Mirola's presence in Bataan waters before the untoward incidents took place.
The PCG is also coordinating with other government agencies to verify this intelligence report, which was put forward by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on August 3.
Encina also told media that those to blame for the severe oil spill will be held accountable.
On July 25, The MT Terranova capsized, sinking 3.6 nautical miles from Lamao Point in Limay, Bataan. Carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil, the vessel leaked less than 100,000 liters of it and sent 21 cities and municipalities into a state of calamity.
