Villar wants raps filed vs owners of ships that caused oil spill in Bataan

SEN. Cynthia Villar yesterday called for the immediate filing of cases against those responsible for the devastating oil spill in Bataan.

As the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change resumed its inquiry into the oil spill caused by MTKR Terranova, MV Mirola 1, and MT Jason Bradley last July, Villar underscored the need to file cases against the ship owners and operators.

“The incident has caused extensive economic and environmental damage, posing threats to marine ecosystems and biodiversity, and the livelihood of fisherfolks and coastal communities,” Villar said.

She added that thousands of fishermen were affected by the oil spill.

Representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Maritime Industry Authority, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said cases would be filed in two weeks to a month.

Jason Bradley and Mirola were later found lacking registration.

Valves from the sunken motor tanker Terranova have been sealed while the containment of oil leakage has so far been successful.

Over 1.38 million liters of oil have been collected from the Terranova and transported to a waste management facility in Marilao, Bulacan, for proper disposal.