Oil spill damage: DENR-7 “sleeping” on Cordova’s claim

CEBU, Philippines - Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy claimed that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has been ‘sleeping’ on its claim for damages brought about by the oil spill last year.

Sitoy said the agency, among others, failed to support the town in its pursuit to compel the two shipping firms involved in the sea collision August 16 last year to compensate the damage.

Cordova town is claiming P127 million from the proceeds of the protection and indemnity insurance providers of the shipping companies for the damage to the town’s mangrove plantation and livelihood caused by the oil spill that followed the collision.

Sitoy said he did not anymore receive communication from DENR and other concerned agencies after their appearance in the Provincial Board on June 16, 2014.

 “Kato ra man ilang gihatag, katong P41 million nga ilang assessment damage sa mangrove… Akong maingon sa DENR, natulog lang. They are asleep. Mangita ta og paagi aron ma-awaken,” he told reporters.

Sitoy said he would file complaint against 2GO Group Inc., owner of the sunken MV St. Thomas Aquinas; and Philippine Span Asia Carrier Corp, formerly Sulpicio Lines, which owns the MV Sulpicio Express Siete, on August 14 at the Mandaue Regional Trial Court, two days before the anniversary of the sea mishap.

When asked if the complaint would include DENR as one of the defendants, Sitoy told reporters: “Huwata lang ninyo. Dili lang 2Go and Sulpicio, naa pay daghan.”

DENR-7 executive director Isabelo Montejo belied Sitoy’s claim, saying that they facilitated in the clearing operations following the oil spill.

Montejo added that DENR even commissioned the University of the Philippines Visayas Oil Spill Response Program for the assessment on the impact of the oil spill to the mangrove. He said another assessment will be conducted.

“Maghimo ta og bag-ong assessment aron matan-aw nato pila gyud ang damage after the months nga nahitabo to siya kay naka-recover man gyud ang mangroves nato,” he said.

As to the P127 million claim, Montejo took the idea of 2Go to wait for the result of the investigation and determination of who was at fault before paying the damage.

“Pagkakaron, it depends on the result of the investigation. We are dependent gyud (kinsa) ang sad-an,” he said.

2Go had expressed its stand not to pay the compensation until the liability as to who was at fault is determined. The Sulpicio, on the other hand, has yet to communicate to the town officials.

The investigation of the sea collision is still pending at the Maritime Industry Authority.— (FREEMAN)