Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 18) — Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor asked local police authorities on Tuesday to catch “within 24 hours” the people behind the attempt to contaminate two beaches in Puerto Galera with oil.
“I am directing the Philippine National Police, the chief of police of Puerto Galera, find the responsible individuals within 24 hours from my announcement,” said Dolor in a press briefing.
“Provincial director Sam Delorino, direct your chief of police of Puerto Galera to find the responsible individual or individuals na gumawa nito, na alam na alam naman nila na may problema ngayon tapos magiiwan,” he added.
[Translation: Provincial director Sam Delorino, direct your chief of police of Puerto Galera to find the responsible individual or individuals behind this even though we are already facing a problem.]
According to reports, a plastic bag containing around 20 liters of oil was found on a beach at Brgy. Sto. Niño and a drum containing over 200 liters of oil was also found on a beach at Brgy. San Antonio.
The governor also set up a ₱200,000 reward to anyone who can give a lead to the suspects.
“₱200,000 para sa makakapagpakita sa akin ng video o makakapagturo ng mga indibidwal na gumawa nito sa Sto. Niño at San Antonio, magkaibang lokasyon, parehong tig-₱200,000,” said Dolor.
[Translation: ₱200,000 to anyone who can show a video or point out individuals who made these at Sto. Niño and San Antonio, different locations, each would receive ₱200,000.]
The governor said if needed, he can increase the reward just to catch the perpetrators, because such acts should not be taken lightly in times of calamity.
The massive oil spill off the waters of Oriental Mindoro caused by the sunken MT Princess Empress has resulted in almost ₱1 billion worth of damage and losses.
According to the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, 143 barangays and 121,292 individuals were affected by the oil spill.
Twenty-six areas in Puerto Galera alone failed the water quality test due to traces of oil and grease. Hence, the Department of Health warned the public to avoid recreational and occupational activities in those areas for the meantime.
