Japanese experts to help curb oil spill to leave for PH March 10

MANILA -- The Japanese experts who will assist Manila in responding to the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro will leave for the Philippines on March 10, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thursday.

The team will be composed of five experts from the Japanese Coast Guard and three others from the Japanese Embassy in Manila and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Tokyo said the deployment is on “humanitarian grounds and for marine environment conservation” and was made upon the Philippine government’s request.

“Japan hopes that this assistance contributes to the prevention of further marine contamination and to the restoration of marine environment, and intends to continue working closely with the Philippines,” it said in a statement.

The eight, it said, will assist in the conduct of the disaster survey, as well as “supervise and provide counsel to the ongoing oil removal and control activities” in affected areas.

The spill was caused by the sunken M/T Princess Empress, which capsized approximately 20 km. east of Mindoro Island on Feb. 28 while carrying about 800,000 liters of cargo fuel and diesel oil.

Japan dispatches team to help contain Mindoro oil spill

The Japanese government is sending a disaster relief team to help the Philippines contain a rapidly spreading oil spill in Oriental Mindoro province, the Japanese Embassy in Manila confirmed Wednesday.

“In coordination with the Philippine government, Japan will send a Disaster Relief Expert Team on oil removal and control to support on-going efforts in response to the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa said.

“We are one with you in these trying times,” he added.

The envoy said the team will be composed of oil control experts from the Japan Coast Guard.

The MT Princess Empress sank off the coast of Naujan town in Oriental Mindoro last Feb. 28 causing its load of 800,000 liters of industrial oil to spill into the sea.

The University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute had estimated that around 20,000 hectares of coral reef, 9,900 ha of mangroves and 6,000 ha of seagrass may be affected by the oil slick.

The institute projects the spill to get closer to the northern Palawan mainland in about a week’s time.

The Department of Tourism earlier said the slick has already hit several Marine Protected Areas in the municipality of Pola in Oriental Mindoro, such as the KingFisher Reserve, St. John the Baptist Marine Sanctuary, Song of the Sea Fish Sanctuary, Stella Mariz Fish Sanctuary, Bacawan Fish Sanctuary, St. Peter the Rock Fish Sanctuary, and the San Isidro Labrador Fish Sanctuary.

Marcos hopes oil spill cleanup in Mindoro won't take months

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed hope that containing and cleaning the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro province would not last for months.

"Hopefully kung hindi kaya ng one month... hopefully less kasi ang Guimaras na oil spill apat na buwan bago na-cleanup, siguro naman this time, kasi mas bawas nang kaunti ang oil spill ay mas mabibilisan natin, kahit na hindi sa isang buwan, hindi naman siguro natin paabutin ng apat na buwan," Marcos told reporters.

Motor tanker Princess Empress was carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil when it sank due to strong waves on February 28. All the 20 people on board were rescued.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the motor tanker sank 400 meters into the ocean, which was too deep for divers to reach.

Citing an expert, Pola town Mayor Jennifer Cruz it would take six months to 1 year to finish the cleanup for the oil spill in the province.

Marcos reiterated that the government had offered a cash-forwork program to help residents recover from the incident.

"Pinalitan natin ng cash for work program dahil sila ngayon ang maglilinis (We implement the cash for work program because they are involved in the cleanup)," Marcos said.

"'Pag natapos na 'yun pwede na sila mangisda ulit, pwede silang bumalik sa trabaho nila (If it's finished, they can go back to fishing or their original jobs)," the President added.

Probe on oil leak from sunken tanker in Mindoro pushed Expressing concerns over serious damage that the oil spill may bring to the environment and marine life, a lawmaker on Tuesday pushed for the investigation, in aid of legislation, of the incident caused by the capsizing of MT Princess Empress in the waters off Naujan town in Oriental Mindoro province on Feb. 28.

Cavite 4th District Representative Elpidio Barzaga Jr. filed House Resolution No. 829 calling for the full inquiry into the oil spill a day after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced it has located the sunken tanker that was carrying 800,000 liters of industrial oil.

Barzaga said the oil spill has affected around 10 municipalities but could also reach other coastal islands, including Palawan, Antique and Romblon.

"Additionally, the oil spill might affect 20,000 hectares of coral reef, 9,900 hectares of mangroves, and 6,000 hectares of seagrass and could possibly coat the marine habitats and animals…which can clog the gills of fish and marine invertebrates… damage the feathers of bird and fur of marine mammals," he stated in the resolution.

Oceana, an international environmental group, earlier called on the government "to immediately implement mechanisms and actions to stop further damage on the marine environment, fisheries resources and livelihood in the affected Verde Island Passage which is the ‘center of the center of marine biodiversity in the world.’”

It also asked the government to “start the investigation and testing on the extent of contamination… immediate assistance of the local fisherfolk dependent on the affected body of water.”

The capsized tanker, the DENR said, is about 1,200 feet below sea level and located 7.5 nautical miles from Balingawan Point, facing Pola municipality in Oriental Mindoro.

The DENR added that the tanker is “believed to have moved southeast from its last known position where it completely submerged.”

The environment department, however, said it still needs to verify the location by deploying a remotelyoperated vehicle (ROV) "which will allow us complete visualization should the currents and weather permit."

"We are now preparing to access an ROV in order to fully determine where the vessel actually is and to completely model the way the oil will be spilling from the vessel,” the DENR said.

PBBM orders DENR to speed up oil spill efforts

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to speed up the oil spill cleanup in the affected areas in Oriental Mindoro.

In response to the President’s directive, the DENR is looking at the possibility of tapping the participants of this year’s Balikatan exercises for the cleanup drives along the shores affected by the oil spill caused by the Feb. 28 sinking of the MT Princess Empress in the waters off Naujan town in Oriental Mindoro province.

During a meeting with President Marcos in Malacañang Wednesday, DENR Secretary Antonia Loyzaga said the agency will work together with the United States (US) Embassy to explore the possibility of deploying the participants of the joint military drills, as part of efforts for clean up, mitigation, and remediation to reduce the impact of the oil spill incident.

The Balikatan is the annual Philippine-led bilateral exercise of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Armed Forces.

Loyzaga said Japan and South Korea have expressed their willingness to help contain the oil spill.

Loyzaga said the DENR is also coordinating with the provincial local government units (LGUs) the vessel owner, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as potential additional source of funds for the cash-for-work program as assistance to the affected residents.

According to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, areas to be given the temporary means of livelihood include the towns of Bansud, Bongabong, Bulalacao, Gloria, Naujan, Pinamalayan, Pola and Roxas in Oriental Mindoro; Caluya in Antique and Agutaya in Palawan.

Loyzaga, meanwhile, noted that around PHP60 million has been set aside for the cash-for-work program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) called Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).

Loyzaga said the vessel owner’s insurance provider has offered to bring in a ship from China to plug the leak of the vessel.

The DENR chief cited latest reports indicating that the oil spill has reached the Cuyo Island group.

Meanwhile, the oil spill in Antique and Semirara Island is continuing to spread, she added.

Loyzaga said the rate of discharge of oil from the sunken vessel is estimated between 35,000 to 50,000 liters a day.

According to the models of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Naujan and Pola in Oriental Mindoro would be the hardest hit. (MNS)

MOTORCYCLE LANE. Motorcycle riders occupy the southbound lane along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Thursday (March 9, 2023) as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) conducts a dry run on the implementation of an exclusive motorcycle lane. The exclusive motorcycle lane, which will be strictly enforced starting on March 20, is located at the third lane from the sidewalk of Commonwealth Avenue, between the Elliptical Road to Doña Carmen subdivision. (MNS photo)

MANILA -- Officials are seeing a "pattern of impunity" in Negros Oriental following the March 4 killing of Governor Roel Degamo at his residence, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Thursday.

"What comes out is a pattern. It's a pattern of impunity that we did not sense before. It is something that is so new to us," said Remulla, who visited Degamo's wake on Wednesday evening along with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos.

"It's very hard to imagine this happening before. But now that this (killing of Degamo) happened, the stories are beginning to make sense that there was a pattern of impunity within the area," he added.

Degamo and five others were shot dead in broad daylight while he was distributing aid to his constituents at his residence in Pamplona, Negros Oriental. Several others were critically wounded in the attack, and the following day that death toll had climbed to nine.

Without elaborating, Remulla said names were mentioned to them during their visit. He said the National Bureau of Investigation will call these individuals as part of its efforts to unmask the brains behind the killing.

"There will be more cases filed about past incidents that were dismissed before, that were not attended to before but would not constitute double jeopardy on the part of the accused," he said.

"So this is not just about nine murders, they may be more, more cases to be investigated, besides even the ones, the three cases, brought by Atty. Baligod brought here on Tuesday," Remulla added.

Atty. Levito Baligod represented the complainants in the filing of three counts of murder complaints against Negros Oriental Representative Arnie Teves for his alleged involvement in several killings in the province in 2019.

Asked if Teves is among those that will be called by the NBI, Remulla said, "Meron pang iba [there are others]. Basta there are many murder cases that are being rooted about that were mentioned to us that we have to investigate further."

When pressed to confirm if Teves is being officially investigated, the Justice secretary said, "Well, we're investigating everybody who may have something to do with what has been happening in Negros Oriental. Bar none. We are not exempting anybody."

Remulla said Teves, who has denied involvement in the killing of Degamo, has not made any effort to reach out to him.

"They know me well enough that this is business. They know me," he said.

Meanwhile, Remulla said Marcos had given assistance to the families. "Of course, we were there at the wake of the governor but the families also went there to see the President. So kinausap niya isa isa and he made sure that assistance is given to them," he said.

Remulla previously said the “end is near” in the investigation on the killing of Degamo. He also revealed that the suspects had a video conversation with the alleged mastermind.

Four suspects in the Degamo killing are currently in police custody, with at least five more still at large.

Abalos has already ordered the replacement of all police personnel in Negros Oriental, starting with Bayawan City, following the killing of Degamo.

PH Army eyes unit to keep watch on activities of ex-soldiers

The Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday said it is looking at the possibility of creating a counterintelligence unit that will keep tabs on both active and former soldiers to prevent them from doing illegal activities.

This is in wake of the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo perpetrated by some dishonorably discharged soldiers last March 4.

"We are also exploring the possibility of creating a dedicated counter-intelligence unit that will work closely with the Philippine National Police to prevent illegal acts that may be committed by current or former Army soldiers," PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement.

He also clarified that the PA also maintains a roster of all soldiers with special skills, including those who were dishonorably discharged.

"We call on all former soldiers to seek help if they are struggling with the transition to civilian life and to think carefully about the consequences of engaging in illegal activities," he added.

Trinidad also stressed that the PA is and has always been a highly professional organization dedicated to serving the people and securing the land.

"It is also worth noting that the vast majority of former soldiers are law-abiding and contribute positively to their communities after their retirement from service," he added.

Trinidad also pointed out that the PA is bolstering its values formation and character development programs.

"A soldier with strong core values stays ethical, disciplined, and professional even off the battlefield and beyond military service. We are also considering the review of the Philippine Army Transition Assistance Program which offers opportunities for education, training, livelihood, legal services, and financial counseling for retiring personnel for retiring soldiers," he added.

Trinidad also revealed that the PA is looking at possibly expanding this program to include dishonorably discharged soldiers to help them start anew with their civilian lives.

NegOr guv slay case dev't

Meanwhile, the gunmen behind the assassination of Degamo are now starting to talk and giving investigators identities of the masterminds, police official said on Thursday.

Col. Jean Fajardo, spokesperson of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said once all the pieces of evidence are collated, justice will be served to Degamo and eight other people who died and the more than 16 people who were wounded during the incident.

“The information shared by the suspects are very important. They have already executed extra-judicial confession and what they revealed has probative value, especially the video call between the suspects and the mastermind,” said Fajardo.

“The PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation believe that after we collated all the pieces of evidence, this case would be nearing its solution,” she added.

On Monday, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. disclosed that the four suspects arrested by the local police and military, including former soldiers, in pursuit operations have already started cooperating with the investigators.

All of the four suspects are now under the custody of the Department of Justice.

Asked of the motive behind the killing as disclosed by the suspects, Fajardo said there is no exact motive yet.

“But we are not discounting the political aspect in this case considering that Governor Degamo was an elected official,” said Fajardo.

Meanwhile, the PNP is continuously conducting internal investigation to determine the possible lapses that led to the death of Degamo.

Azurin earlier said that among the issues being looked into is the failure to comply with his order last month to all chiefs of police to conduct threat assessment on all elected and appointed public officials in their areas, the failure to conduct checkpoint that may have foiled the movement of Degamo killers and how the gunmen easily entered the governor's residence compound.

Fajardo said that the entire police force of Bayawan City and Sta. Catalina town were already sacked and replaced.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier revealed that the suspects in the March 4 brazen attack on Degamo and the alleged mastermind had a video call prior to the gun attack.

Remulla did not disclose the information on the topic of the video call. He added that there was also no motive mentioned.

Degamo killers started surveillance on governor as early as December 2022 — police

The perpetrators behind the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and eight others started their surveillance on the elected official as early as December 2022, the police said Thursday.

In a press briefing, Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare said the perpetrators came from different places and were gathered together.

“May mga dumating dito (Some arrived here) as early as December to conduct casing and surveillance to identify what is the particular mode of operation that they are going to launch for the attack to the governor,” Pelare said.

He added some of the perpetrators