Mindoro Oil Spill: Who's Accountable?

Written By: Lloyd Jedrick Luna

On February 28, 2023, an oil tanker named "MT Princess Empress” that carries 800,000 liters of industrial oil  sank in the coastal waters of oriental mindoro. The vessel is said to be already at 1,200 feet or 400 meters below sea level. Thousands of liters of oil spilled in the ocean reaching the 77 barangay near the coastline of Oriental Mindoro that continued to spread. It affected the lives of 13k families and 100k people. Currently, there are places in Oriental Mindoro that are under a state of calamity .

Our nation continues to suffer from the oil spill that may last for many years, or even decades. Listed below is the impact of this oil spill 

1. Marine Life/Environment: The authorities said that Oriental Mindoro coast waters are connected to many tourist destinations and the nearest province that may disrupt transportation that uses the coast waters of Oriental Mindoro as a passage route. 

2. Economy: Economy is surely will be affected with 2 reasons: (1) Loss of many fishermen because they are part of a sector that contributes to our GWP (2) Disruption of Supply-Demand Chain that will skyrocket base price of market goods especially in-terms of marine resources coming from the oriental mindoro 

3. Lifestyle of Fishermens: Due to the towering risk of oil spills, the fishermen are in danger of losing a lifestyle for many years or even worse. Creating a disruption for food supply that will definitely arouse problems in the future 

4. Healthcare: The oil spill emits a very harmful smell that can affect our lungs and heart. There are also possibilities that some exported fist is contaminated with industrial gas which leads to food poisoning. 

The authorities quickly deploy the Philippine Coast Guard together with some equipment to neutralize the spreading industrial oil and prevent it from worsening. Helicopters and Boats continue to roam around the coastal waters of Oriental Mindoro to monitor the oil spill 24/7. 

Reach out to the following branch of government if needed. 

Philippine Coast Guard (Oriental Mindoro Branch)

0966-217-9610 / 0969-217-4123

Department of Health (Oriental Mindoro Branch)

0917 824 8895

Department of Social Welfare and Development (Oriental Mindoro Branch)

(643) 441-8370 or (643) 441-9147