Rosario gov't issues cease and desist order vs Petron

MANILA, Philippines - The municipal government of Rosario, Cavite on Tuesday issued a cease and desist order against oil giant, Petron Corp., due to the oil spill that affected four towns in the province.

Rosario town Mayor Jose Ricafrente said in a radio dzMM interview that the cease and desist order will stay until the oil spill has been cleared.

"Hangga't hindi naaayos ang problema, tigil-operasyon muna sa dagat. Inamin na nila. Nag-isyu na tayo ng cease and desist order ngayong umaga," Ricafrente said.

The mayor said that the cease and desist order does not cover Petron's operations in its oil depot, but said that oil from the depot must be transported through other means that would not require the use of the underwater pipeline, which caused the oil spill.

In a statement issued Monday, Petron president Lubin Nepomuceno claimed responsibility for the oil spill that has affected 35 villages in Rosario, Naic, Tanza and Ternate towns.

“At this stage, we take responsibility for this unfortunate incident. We sincerely apologize and assure all the communities affected that we will strive to resolve the situation at the soonest possible time,” Nepomuceno said.

Related story: Petron apologizes for Cavite oil spill

He said the company would continue efforts to conduct cleanup operations in affected areas to restore the livelihood of the communities.

“In the meantime, we will continue to give the assistance needed by residents affected by the spill,” he added.

The oil spill began last Thursday after the M/T Makisig tanker unloaded diesel in Petron’s depot.

The oil firm said it has engaged a third party to regularly conduct test samples of the soil, water and marine life quality of affected areas.

“We are closely coordinating with government agencies such as PCG (Philippine Coast Guard), BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) and DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) to enhance our community assistance efforts,” it said.