Petron reiterates responsibility for Guimaras oil spill

BACOLOD CITY - While it has admitted lapses in communicating with the public regarding disaster response in what could be the worst oil spill disaster in the country, Petron Corporation yesterday stressed that they have not been remiss in their moral and social responsibility toward Guimaras and other affected areas in Western Visayas.

"It is regrettable that we have initially failed to clearly communicate our response efforts, but the oil spill continues to be a matter of serious concern for Petron," Joey Campos, vice president for marketing, said here yesterday.

Petron has been subjected to adverse publicity following the August 11 sinking of M/T Solar 1. Allegations that the company has passed on the blame and responsibility over to Sunshine Maritime Development Corporation and insurer, Shipowner's Mutual of Luxembourg, continue to bug the oil firm.

"It is not something that we can pass off to anyone else," Campos said, adding that Petron remains serious and committed and they will be in Guimaras for as long as it takes.

The good name that Petron has built up over the years has been affected, he said. We have worked hard and we will continue to work even harder to resolve the situation, he also said.

On calls to boycott Petron products, he said, this will not solve the problem.

When we say the worst is behind us, Campos said, we mean that the company is now better prepared in case oil will seep out from the remaining compartments.

On the other hand, Gerry Ledesma of the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Foundation, argued that the worst is not yet over for Petron as long as the oil tanker remains in the area where it has settled. "It still poses imminent danger and Petron could be facing a much bigger disaster," he stressed.

Campos said the experts of Shinsei Maru still have to submit their technical report and recommendations on how the sunken vessel will be dealt with.

Three options have been presented - siphon the 1.9 liters of bunker fuel left in the nine compartments, salvage the vessel or cement it on site.

Campos said there might be other options that will be developed as monitoring and research efforts continue. What is definite is that all stakeholders will be consulted and once they have agreed on an option, action will be taken immediately, he added.

Petron reported that 1,648 locals have been employed for the "Cash for Work" program that has covered 117 kilometers in Guimaras and 12 kilometers in Iloilo, specifically in Ajuy and Conception towns.

It has also extended assistance to 4,122 families and served 320 individuals in its medical missions.

Meanwhile, despite the oil spill incident, Campos said that they were able to sustain the confidence of the market, with their stockholders assured that the company is still on top of the situation. - Antonieta B. Lopez