MT Princess Empress oil spill

MT Princess Empress oil spill
MT Princess Empress, the oil tanker that caused the oil spill
Location	Tablas Strait, Philippines [lower-alpha 1]
Coordinates	13°19′03″N121°31′47″E / 13.3175°N 121.529722°E / 13.3175; 121.529722 [1]
Date	February 28, 2023;17 months ago (2023-02-28)
Cause
Cause	Sinking of MT Princess Empress
Casualties	203 non-fatal injuries [2]
Operator	RDC Reield Marine Services [3]
Spill characteristics
Volume	<1 million L (260,000 US gal) [lower-alpha 2]
Area	162.6 km2 (62.8 sq mi) [6]
Shoreline impacted	74.7 km (46.4 mi) [7]

On the morning of February 28, 2023, MT Princess Empress sank off Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, causing an oil spill in the waters of the provinces of Antique, Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, and Palawan. En route from Bataan to Iloilo, the oil tanker was carrying 900,000 liters of industrial fuel oil before it sank.

Background

MT Princess Empress, the oil tanker that caused the oil spill, is owned by RDC Reield Marine Services. ^{[8] [9]} Before it sank, the oil tanker was crewed by 20 people and en route to Iloilo to transport 900,000 liters (240,000 U.S. gal) ^{[lower-alpha 3]} of industrial fuel oil from SL Gas Harbor Terminal in Limay, Bataan. According to an energy sector source, industrial fuel oil, also known as "black oil", is "highly toxic to the environment". ^[10]

The Tablas Strait, where the oil spill occurred, is a waterway between the islands of Mindoro, Marinduque, Panay, and Tablas that serves as a major shipping route in the Philippines. The strait and its adjacent waterbodies, including the Verde Island Passage, are one of the most biodiverse in the country. ^{[11] [12]} At least 21 marine protected areas could be affected by the oil spill according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). ^{[12] [13]} Moreover, residents of the coastal settlements of Oriental Mindoro and nearby provinces rely on fishing and other marine activities for their livelihood. ^[11] Particularly the fisherfolks, which are communities vulnerable to natural and human-made hazards, had their subsistence, food security, and human well-being highly compromised. ^[14]

Sinking and oil spill

At approximately 2 a.m. Philippine Standard Time (UTC+8) on February 28, 2023, while traversing the waters of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, MT Princess Empress experienced rough sea conditions. ^[15] At 4:16 am, it was reported to be half-submerged. ^[2] Four minutes later, ^[2] Panamanian-flagged MV Efes rescued the oil tanker's crew and took them to Subic, Zambales, ^{[16] [17]} where they arrived at around 6 p.m. unscathed. ^[18] From its initial position, Princess Empress drifted towards the vicinity of Balingawan Point before sinking completely by 8 am. ^{[19] [20]} Later that day, BRP Melchora Aquino and an Airbus helicopter were dispatched to the area by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to investigate. A five-kilometer-long and 500-meter-wide oil spill was then discovered near the shipwreck, although the coast guard clarified that it was from the diesel fuel used to power the tanker, not the industrial fuel oil it was carrying. ^{[21] [22]}

On March 1, the oil spill expanded to around six by four kilometers. ^[23] The coast guard described its slick as "black and thick, with strong odor". The oil had thinner particles as compared with the diesel fuel from the tanker, which caused an initial oil spill. ^[24] At around 2 pm, MTUG Titan – a tugboat carrying oil spill recovery equipment and members of the Marine Environmental Protection Unit (MEPU) of the PCG, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the DENR, and Malayan Towage and Salvage Corporation (MTSC) – reached the oil spill area and began spraying oil dispersants. ^[25]

Impact

Further information: Oil pollution toxicity to marine fish

Oil spill collection in Caluya, Antique

Oil spill off the waters of Oriental Mindoro.

The oil spill affected the following: ^[26]

• ten municipalities (Bansud, Bongabong, Bulalacao, Gloria, Mansalay, Naujan, Pinamalayan, Pola, Puerto Galera, Roxas) and a city (Calapan) in Oriental Mindoro;
• one in Antique: Caluya;
• two in Palawan: Taytay and Agutaya;
• two in Occidental Mindoro: Magsaysay and San Jose;
• at least two municipalities (Tingloy and San Juan ^[27] ) and a city (Batangas City) in Batangas;
• part of Quezon. ^[27]

It reportedly reached Verde Island Passage ^[28] as well as the northern part of Tablas Strait and the northern part of Tayabas Bay. ^[27]

It affected major ecosystems across the provinces of Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, and Antique. ^[29] The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), by March 29, reported that up to 5,185 hectares of marine habitat in Oriental Mindoro (including 2,252 hectares of corals) and Western Visayas have been affected. ^[26] The Department of Tourism reported that as of March 15, sixty-one sites in Oriental Mindoro, including beach resorts, have been affected. ^[30] Seven marine protected areas were reportedly damaged. ^[31]

By late May, reported environmental damage, particularly to coral reefs and mangroves, was estimated at over ₱9.52 billion; ^[32] and by February 2024, estimated damages to agriculture in three regions were reported at ₱4.93 billion according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). ^[33] Most of the affected areas are in the Mimaropa region, ^[28] with Pola suffered the worst; ^[31] damages were also reported in Batangas City in Calabarzon, and Caluya in Western Visayas. ^[33] The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources earlier said that the fishing sector loses nearly ₱19 million daily. ^[14]

Environmental group Oceana Philippines warned corals, seagrasses and mangroves will take years for recovery. ^[34]

Damage and losses to agriculture

Provinces	Number of fisherfolks affected	Production loss (MT)	Cost of damage and losses (₱)
Batangas (Batangas City)	337	—	2,646,798.00
Oriental Mindoro (Calapan and eight municipalities)	20,550	—	4,723,181,755.74
Palawan (two municipalities)	3,716	—	188,378,904.00
Antique (five barangays in Caluya)	3,247	928.64	15,035,124.00
Total	27,850	928.64	4,929,242,581.74
According to DA and NDRRMC; as of February 6, 2024. [33]

The NDRRMC reported that as of February 6, 2024, a total of 43,699 families or 200,244 individuals have been affected in 264 villages in the provinces of Batangas, Oriental Mindoro and Palawan, and in the municipality of Caluya, Antique. ^[33] As reported also by NDRRMC, until late June 2023, a total of 27,850 fishers from these areas have been affected, ^{[35] [36] [33]} although the agricultural office of Oriental Mindoro reported a month earlier a higher record of 31,524. ^[7]

In Oriental Mindoro alone, more than 99,000 people have been affected. ^[37]

In Pola, until June 2023, 211 affected people fell ill, with some experiencing dizziness, eye irritation, and fever, among other symptoms. ^{[33] [38]} Also, the incident affected at least 5,520 fishermen. ^[39]

On March 6, 2023, declarations of state of calamity were made separately by the provincial government of Oriental Mindoro and the municipal government of Caluya. ^[33] Such declaration in Pola was lifted two days prior to the incident's anniversary in 2024. ^{[40] [41]}

Pre-school level in barangay San Jose, Naujan, was the only class to be suspended, on March 27, 2023, caused by a strong odor from the shoreline. ^[33]

2024 CEED report

A report by a non-governmental sustainability think tank, Center for Energy, Ecology and Development, was released on February 26, 2024. ^{[34] [42] [43]} The report estimated the oil spill left damages of at least ₱41.2 billion: environmental damage, around ₱40.1 billion; socio-economic losses, ₱1.1 billion. ^{[42] [43]} The estimates are 800% higher than that previously by the government. ^{[42] [43]}

The study, which focused on the damage 39 weeks after the incident, reported that even after the lifting of the fishing ban, fishers still suffered income losses from July to November, and their yields decreased to only around a third of their normal catch being obtained. ^[42]

A separate report revealed as well that high concentration of oil and grease remained, far above normal, in affected marine protected areas, ^[34] particularly in Oriental Mindoro, nearly a year after the incident. ^[42]

Response

National

RDC Reield Marine Services, the owner of MT Princess Empress, hired two contractors—Harbor Star Shipping Services and Malayan Towage and Salvage Corporation (MTSC)—to help with their cleanup efforts. ^[9]

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), through the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority located the sunken tanker with actual depth at 389.1 meters. ^{[44] [lower-alpha 1]}

To protect marine protected areas in the Mimaropa and Western Visayas, the DENR, PCG and the locals installed organic spill booms. ^[46]

On March 23, three days after oil sightings in Verde Island, Batangas City were confirmed, the PCG elevated the response operations to Tier III, considered national-level and may call for assistance from the international community. ^{[47] [48]}

The PCG reported on June 17 that about 95% of the affected coastline had been cleaned. ^[35] By June 26, BFAR has allowed fishing activities in Oriental Mindoro except in Pola. ^{[32] [49] [36]}

MTSC chartered a foreign vessel (see § International) which reportedly accomplished siphoning operations within 19 days, with only few oil traces left in sunken tanker's fuel pipes. ^{[50] [51]} Containment operations are ongoing ^[35] for oil that may leak from these pipes. ^[51]

The Department of Justice said it will petition for a Writ of Kalikasan if cleanup efforts are not completed within the period set by the government. ^[52]

The Philippine government has provided assistance. As of late February 2024, the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided more than ₱982.7 million in humanitarian assistance to nearly 42,500 affected individuals in four provinces; ^[40] meanwhile, the NDRRMC reported that assistance worth ₱847.1 million was given. ^[33]

International

On March 12, a team of experts from Japan arrived in Pola to assist in the containment and clean up of the oil spill, as well as site visit and assessment of affected villages. ^{[53] [54] [55]} Equipment from the Japan Disaster Response Team were also sent. The team conducted ocular inspection in the vicinity waters off Naujan. ^[55] On March 20, Japanese dynamic positioning vessel (DPV) Shin Nichi Maru, on board its underwater robot ROV Hakuyo, arrived in Naujan. ^[56] The said ROV found the tanker the following day. ^{[57] [58] [lower-alpha 1]} PCG and the DPV implemented "bagging" operations, with its ROV installing specialized bags from the United Kingdom ^[59] to temporarily prevent the leaks from the tanker. ^{[60] [61]}

Anchor handling vessel DPV Pacific Valkyrie, carrying ROV MR2 Hydros, ^[61] was sent by the Government of Singapore. The DPV is contracted by the United States Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving to help in oil spill management operations; ^{[59] [60] [62] [63]} its ROV helped the Japanese ROV through conducting surveys and mapping. ^{[60] [61]} The United States also sent absorbent harbor boom to be used to control the spread of oil. ^[64] Underwater operations were finished after almost a month, ^{[61] [65]} with one of 24 original sources of leakage from the motor tanker left unsealed. ^[66]

Other countries including South Korea ^[59] and France also extended aid to contain the oil spill. ^[61]

Liberian-registered DSV Fire Opal, as well as a group of foreign specialized technicians, arrived in the country in late May to conduct siphoning operations. ^[67] The said vessel, chartered by the MTSC, reportedly completed the operations by June 16, ^{[50] [51]} with all cargo oil tanks in the sunken vessel empty, and only few oil traces left in pipes ^[50] which cannot be recovered. ^[35]

As decided by the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund, only 627 fishermen in Pola received compensation to be sourced from the IOPC funds; the two-day distribution was held in February 2024. ^[39]

Investigation

Later investigation revealed conflicting reports on whether the motor tanker had permits to operate, and that the tanker is a 50-year-old rebuilt scrap rather than a purpose-built. ^[68] Investigation by the Senate revealed that the ship sailed without permission nine times. ^[69] On the other hand, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) found as well that the tanker was registered despite RDC Reield Marine Services had submitted falsified documents to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA); and was reportedly renovated in Navotas and not newly built in Bataan as declared by both parties, ^{[70] [71]} noting alleged conflicting information on the vessel's origins; these allegations were later denied by the RDC. ^[72]

At least three cease-and-desist orders had been issued by MARINA against the RDC, which involves cancellation of the franchise, suspension of operations, and prevention of vessels to sail. ^{[73] [74]} These company's vessels include two tankers and a passenger ship. ^[75] MARINA later found probable cause to file charges against the RDC. ^[76] In May, MARINA–NCR revoked the company's license; ^[77] the said decision is not yet final. ^[78]

Some legislators raised the possibility of the government's sanctions against RDC and the vessel's charterer SL Harbor Bulk Terminal Corporation; the latter is exempted from any liability under the law. ^[79]

In June 2023, NBI, as well as Pola mayor Jennifer Cruz, filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) multiple recommended charges against certain individuals. ^[80] In February 2024, DOJ recommended the filing of criminal charges against the ship's owners and corporate officers, as well as a MARINA personnel and a private individual, all in relation to falsification of documents, ^[81] though their names were not disclosed yet. ^[82] The complaints against 19 Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel and another MARINA personnel were dismissed due to lack of probable cause. ^{[83] [84]} Charges of perjury against two RDC officials were not included in the recommendation. ^[80]

On the other hand, in August 2023, the second batch of the charges was filed by the NBI–Environmental Crimes Division before the Office of the Ombudsman; ^{[70] [71]} mainly with violation of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act). ^{[70] [72]} Same respondents were charged:

• Nine RDC officials and six crew members of the oil tanker;
• Nineteen PCG members for grave misconduct and neglect in the performance of duty, for its alleged failure to inspect the tanker before its departure; ^{[70] [71]}
• MARINA director and MARINA Shipyard chief, both in Region V, for grave misconduct and neglect in the performance of duty. ^[71]

Another batch is expected to be filed against the RDC for allegedly violating environmental laws. ^[72]

See also

• Guimaras oil spill
• Manila Bay oil spill

Notes

1. The location of the sunken motor tanker is either:
   • at 13.89 km (7.50 nmi) northeast of Balisangan Point, Pola, as recorded by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority; ^[44] or
   • at 14.26 km (7.7 nmi) from Balingawan Point, Naujan, as reported by the Philippine Coast Guard. ^[45]
2. The exact volume of the oil spill—which includes both the diesel fuel from the oil tanker and the industrial fuel oil it was carrying—has yet to be determined. MT Princess Empress was carrying 900,000 liters (200,000 imp gal; 240,000 U.S. gal) of industrial fuel oil. ^{[4] [5]}
3. Initially reported as 800,000 liters (210,000 U.S. gal). ^[4]

References

1. Philippines Oil Spill (JPEG) (Map). Cartography by Landsat 9. National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service. March 21, 2023. Retrieved March 22, 2023– via the International Charter 'Space and Major Disasters'.
2. Situational Report No. 25 for the Effects of Oil Spill in CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Region VI (PDF) (Report). National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. March 28, 2023. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
3. Laurente, Ire Joe (March 6, 2023). "Mindoro town to sue operator over oil spill". The Manila Times . Retrieved March 7, 2023.
4. Rita, Joviland (March 16, 2023). "Sunken tanker was carrying 900K liters of industrial fuel oil, not 800K —PCG". GMA Integrated News . Retrieved March 17, 2023.
5. Bolledo, Jairo (March 11, 2023). "Philippine Coast Guard: Oriental Mindoro oil spill still under Tier 2". Rappler . Retrieved March 22, 2023.
6. "MSI Bulletin #14 (March 24, 2023): Large slicks northwest and southeast of sunken tanker — window of opportunity for oil collection" (Press release). University of the Philippines – Marine Science Institute. March 24, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
7. de Castro, Isagani Jr. (May 12, 2023). "Oil siphoning to start in June, but is there 'black oil' still left in Princess Empress?". Rappler . Retrieved May 26, 2023.
8. Yong, Nicholas (March 7, 2023). "Philippines oil spill: Residents report nausea and dizziness in affected villages". BBC News . Retrieved March 7, 2023.
9. de Leon, Dwight (March 6, 2023). "Tanker owner guarantees 'commitment' to Oriental Mindoro oil spill cleanup". Rappler . Retrieved March 7, 2023.
10. "MT Princess Empress insured for $1 billion, says MARINA official". Rappler . March 7, 2023. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
11. de Galicia, Darcie; Espina-Varona, Inday (March 4, 2023). "Oriental Mindoro oil spill threatens Philippine, global diversity". Rappler . Retrieved March 7, 2023.
12. Cabico, Gaea Katreena. "Oriental Mindoro oil spill could affect 21 marine protected areas — DENR". The Philippine Star . Retrieved March 15, 2023.
13. Mangaluz, Jean (March 1, 2023). "21 protected marine areas may be affected by Mindoro oil spill". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved March 12, 2023.
14. Agaton, Casper Boongaling; Guno, Charmaine Samala; Labog, Russel Añonuevo; Collera, Angelie Azcuna (2023). "Immediate Socioeconomic Impacts of Mindoro Oil Spill on Fisherfolk of Naujan, Philippines". Resources. 12 (9): 102. doi: 10.3390/resources12090102 .
15. "MT Princess Empress Incident Information Centre". Princess Empress. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
16. Multiple citations:
    • "Vessel EFES (General cargo vessel) IMO 9197686, MMSI 370417000". FleetMon. Retrieved March 22, 2023.
    • Voytenko, Mikhail (February 28, 2023). "Tanker with 800 tons of oil sank in Philippines waters". FleetMon. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
17. Tividad, Maria (February 28, 2023). "20 rescued from partially-submerged oil tanker in Mindoro". Philippine News Agency . Retrieved March 12, 2023.
18. Noriega, Richa (March 1, 2023). "Oil tanker off Mindoro Oriental totally sinks". GMA Integrated News . Retrieved March 17, 2023.
19. Gregorio, Xave (February 28, 2023). "Tanker carrying 800,000 liters of fuel sinks off Oriental Mindoro". The Philippine Star . Retrieved March 7, 2023.
20. Fernandez-Brojan, Connie; Marzan, Joey; Virola, Madonna T. (March 5, 2023). "Tablas Strait oil spill reaches Antique". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved March 7, 2023.
21. "PCG spots possible oil spill from sinking tanker off Oriental Mindoro". CNN Philippines . Archived from the original on March 1, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
22. Angelo, Francis Allan (March 1, 2023). "Low odds of Oriental Mindoro oil spill reaching Boracay – Coast Guard". Rappler . Retrieved March 16, 2023.
23. Atienza, Kyle Aristophere T. (March 2, 2023). "Mindoro oil spill hits marine protected areas". BusinessWorld . Retrieved March 16, 2023.
24. Sadongdong, Martin (March 1, 2023). "Sinking of MT Princess Empress: 'Black, thick' oil with foul odor emerges in Mindoro's waters". Manila Bulletin . Retrieved March 8, 2023.
25. Dela Cruz, Raymond Carl (March 1, 2023). "Oil spill recovery begins after tanker sinks off Oriental Mindoro". Philippine News Agency . Retrieved March 8, 2023.
26. Cariaso, Bella (March 30, 2023). "Oil spill: 5,185 hectares of marine habitat affected". The Philippine Star . Retrieved May 29, 2023.
27. Ronda, Rainier Allan (April 5, 2023). "Oil spill reaches Tablas Strait, Tayabas Bay". The Philippine Star . Retrieved May 25, 2023.
28. Cariaso, Bella (April 28, 2023). "Mindoro oil spill: Damage to environment hits P7 billion". The Philippine Star . Retrieved May 2, 2023.
29. Bautista, Jane; Virola, Madonna (April 28, 2023). "Mindoro oil spill: Still a murky affair 2 months later". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved May 2, 2023.
30. Adel, Rosette (March 18, 2023). "DOT gravely concerned over oil spill's impact on tourism workers, destinations". Philstar.com . Retrieved May 29, 2023.
31. Argosino, Faith (May 30, 2023). "Mimaropa cops give over P1 million to oil spill-affected Mindoro residents". Inquirer.net . Retrieved May 30, 2023.
32. Gulla, Vivienne (May 29, 2023). "May-ari ng lumubog na MT Princess Empress nanindigang hindi ito luma". ABS-CBN News (in Tagalog). Retrieved May 30, 2023.
33. "SitRep No. 134 for the Effects of Oil Spill in CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Region VI" (PDF). National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council . Government of the Philippines. February 6, 2024. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
34. Dizon, David (February 26, 2024). "MT Princess Empress oil spill left P40B environmental damage: group". ABS-CBN News . Retrieved February 26, 2024.
35. Patinio, Ferdinand (June 17, 2023). "M/T Princess Empress oil tanks all empty; siphoning ops over". Philippine News Agency . Retrieved June 17, 2023.
36. Mantaring, Jelo Ritzhie (June 26, 2023). "Fishing ban in Naujan and Pinamalayan lifted – Oriental Mindoro gov". CNN Philippines . Archived from the original on June 26, 2023. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
37. Ombay, Giselle (March 13, 2023). "Almost 100K people affected by oil spill in Oriental Mindoro —gov". GMA Integrated News . Retrieved March 15, 2023.
38. "SitRep No. 101 for the Effects of Oil Spill in CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Region VI" (PDF). National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council . Government of the Philippines. June 17, 2023. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
39. Cariaso, Bella (February 16, 2024). "LGU to lift state of calamity over Mindoro oil spill". The Philippine Star . Retrieved February 26, 2024.
40. Cruz, Moises (February 26, 2024). "Pola town lifts state of calamity caused by oil spill". The Manila Times . Archived from the original on February 26, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
41. Rita, Joviland (February 26, 2024). "OCD: State of calamity in Pola, Oriental Mindoro due oil spill now lifted". GMA News Online . Retrieved February 26, 2024.
42. Cabico, Gaea Katreena (February 26, 2024). "Mindoro oil spill damage valued at P41.2B — report". Philstar.com . Retrieved February 26, 2024.
43. Loretto, Russel (February 26, 2024). "Group estimates 2023 Mindoro oil spill damage at P41.2B". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved February 26, 2024.
44. Cabalza, Dexter; Subingsubing, Krixia (March 13, 2023). "Sunken oil tanker MT Princess Empress finally located". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved May 26, 2023.
45. Moaje, Marita; dela Cruz, Raymond Carl (March 21, 2023). "Japanese remote sub finds sunken oil tanker in Oriental Mindoro". Philippine News Agency . Retrieved May 25, 2023.
46. "DENR, communities create oil spill booms from organic materials to save marine ecosystems" (Press release). Government of the Philippines. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. March 14, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
47. Argosino, Faith (March 25, 2023). "12 Mindoro towns affected by oil spill — DENR". Inquirer.net . Retrieved May 29, 2023.
48. Remitio, Rex (March 30, 2023). "PCG: 60% of oil spill-affected areas already cleaned up". CNN Philippines . Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
49. Abrogar, Sofia (May 23, 2023). "DA-BFAR: Fishing ban must continue in oil spill-hit Oriental Mindoro areas". Inquirer.net . Retrieved May 29, 2023.
50. Relativo, James (June 17, 2023). "Oil spill removal in Oriental Mindoro finally complete — Coast Guard". Philstar.com . Retrieved June 17, 2023.
51. Cordero, Ted (June 17, 2023). "PCG: Oil spill recovery in sunken MT Princess Empress completed". GMA News Online . Retrieved June 17, 2023.
52. Casilao, Joahna Lei (April 25, 2023). "DOJ eyes writ of kalikasan over Mindoro oil spill". GMA News. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
53. "Japanese experts arrive to help in oil spill containment". ABS-CBN News . March 12, 2023. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
54. Hachero, Ashzel (March 13, 2023). "Japanese oil slick experts assist PCG in Mindoro clean-up drive". Malaya Business Insight . Retrieved May 24, 2023.
55. "Japan Sends a Shipload of Supplies to Help With the Philippine Oil Spill". Esquire Philippines . March 13, 2023. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
56. Nepomuceno, Priam (March 21, 2023). "ROV-equipped Japanese ship now in Mindoro for oil spill response". Philippine News Agency . Retrieved May 24, 2023.
57. Ramirez, Robertzon (March 22, 2023). "Sunken tanker in oil spill located". The Philippine Star . Retrieved May 24, 2023.
58. de Castro, Isagani Jr. (March 22, 2023). "Too early to celebrate: Japanese ROV can't plug, siphon oil from MT Princess Empress". Rappler . Retrieved May 24, 2023.
59. Lazaro, Jacob; Virola, Madonna (April 6, 2023). "Help from foreign gov'ts seen to hasten oil spill response". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved May 25, 2023.
60. Noriega, Richa (April 2, 2023). "PCG, Japanese ship begin 'bagging' ops to stop leaks from MT Princess Empress". GMA News Online . Retrieved May 25, 2023.
61. Locus, Sundy (April 17, 2023). "Underwater ROV Operations for Mindoro oil spill 'completed'—PCG". GMA News Online . Retrieved May 25, 2023.
62. Baron, Gabriela (April 4, 2023). "Singapore aids PH in oil spill response". PTV News . Retrieved May 25, 2023.
63. Sadongdong, Martin (March 29, 2023). "Towing vessel arrives in Zambales to scan sunken tanker's wreckage". Manila Bulletin . Retrieved May 25, 2023.
64. "Another US vessel arrives in PH for oil spill clearing". ABS-CBN News . March 29, 2023. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
65. Verdejo, Genivi (April 26, 2023). "Japan's salvage company completes ROV operation". The Manila Times . Retrieved May 25, 2023.
66. Sadongdong, Martin (April 17, 2023). "PCG: 10 out of 11 leakages from sunken MT Princess Empress sealed". Manila Bulletin . Retrieved May 25, 2023.
67. Citations:
    • Sadongdong, Martin (May 22, 2023). "Liberian vessel arriving on May 26 to siphon oil from sunken MT Princess Empress". Manila Bulletin . Retrieved May 24, 2023.
    • "Paghigop sa natitirang langis ng MT Princess Empress, itinuloy na – PCG". Bombo Radyo Philippines (in Tagalog). May 30, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
    • Manabat, Jacque (May 29, 2023). "PCG confident it can finish Mindoro oil spill siphoning by June". ABS-CBN News . Retrieved May 30, 2023.
68. "The Black Tide: Philippines' Oil Spill Causes Ecological Disaster, Loss of Livelihoods". Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada . March 22, 2023. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
69. "Philippines: The Princess Empress oil spill is a crime". Safety4Sea. April 7, 2023. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
70. Eguia, Aljon (August 2, 2023). "NBI files new raps over Empress sinking". Daily Tribune . Retrieved September 27, 2023.
71. Villeza, Mark Ernest (August 2, 2023). "Mindoro oil spill: New cases to be filed". The Philippine Star . Retrieved September 27, 2023.
72. Baua, Niko (August 2, 2023). "Owner insists tanker in Mindoro oil spill was 'newly built'". ABS-CBN News . Retrieved September 27, 2023.
73. "Cease and desist orders issued vs. owners of MT Princess Empress". PTV News . March 23, 2023. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
74. Sadongdong, Martin (April 5, 2023). "MARINA issues cease, desist order vs MT Princess Empress owner". Manila Bulletin . Retrieved June 7, 2023.
75. Verdejo, Genivi (May 24, 2023). "Marina probes personnel's liability in Princess Empress sinking". The Manila Times . Retrieved May 30, 2023.
76. Hachero, Ashzel (April 5, 2023). "MARINA finds probable cause to file raps vs tanker owner". Malaya Business Insight . Retrieved May 25, 2023.
77. "Gov't revokes license of firm behind tanker tagged in Mindoro oil spill". ABS-CBN News . May 18, 2023. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
78. Sarao, Zacarian (May 19, 2023). "MT Princess Empress operator's franchise revocation not yet final". Inquirer.net . Retrieved May 25, 2023.
79. Gozum, Iya (May 29, 2023). "'Pagod na po kami': Pola mayor wants MT Princess Empress ship owner sued". Rappler . Retrieved May 30, 2023.
80. Boiser, Abby (June 8, 2023). "NBI slaps raps vs oil tanker execs, PCG members over Mindoro oil spill". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved June 7, 2023.
81. Laqui, Ian (February 14, 2024). "Criminal raps recommended for MT Princess Empress owners in Mindoro oil spill". Philstar.com . Retrieved February 14, 2024.
82. Bolledo, Jairo (February 14, 2024). "Mindoro oil spill: DOJ recommends criminal cases vs ship owners, others". Rappler . Retrieved February 14, 2024.
83. Damicog, Jeffrey (February 14, 2024). "Gov't prosecutors recommend filing of cases in court vs executives of sunken M/T Princess Empress". Manila Bulletin . Retrieved February 14, 2024.
84. Casilao, Joahna Lei (February 14, 2024). "DOJ recommends charges vs. MT Princess Empress officers, others". GMA News Online . Retrieved February 14, 2024.

External links

• Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) – Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
• Effects of Oil Spill in CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Region VI (Western Visayas) – National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)
• Oil spill in Philippines, an activation of the International Charter 'Space and Major Disasters'
• MT Princess Empress Incident Information Centre
• MT Princess Empress oil spill updates – Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)