THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday approved the criminal indictment of a shipping company and persons responsible for the sinking of the M/T Princess Empress on February 28, 2023, which led to a widely damaging oil spill along the coast of Oriental Mindoro.
In a resolution, the DOJ’s panel of prosecutors found probable cause to file criminal charges against RDC Reield Marines Services, Inc., the shipping company that owns and operates M/T Princess Empress, its corporate officers, certain employees, along with 19 Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel, and two Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) staffers.
The panel also held liable an individual for committing multiple counts of falsification by a private individual, multiple use of falsified documents punishable under Article 172 in relation to Article 171(2) of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), and multiple counts of falsification of public or official documents under Article 171(4) of the RPC, as amended.
The complaint was filed by the National Bureau of Investigation-Environmental Crime Division (NBI-ECD) and Mayor Jennifer Cruz of Pola, Oriental Mindoro last June 2023
Following a comprehensive evaluation of affidavits and evidence, the panel of DOJ prosecutors uncovered irregularities in certain documents related to the construction and certificate of public convenience of M/T Princess Empress.
“Consequently, the panel has recommended the filing of charges against the corporate officers of M/T Princess Empress, a MARINA personnel, and a private individual for multiple counts of falsification of public documents by a private individual, multiple use of falsified documents, and multiple counts of falsification of public or official documents,” the DOJ said in a statement.
The panel also found that RDC Reield Marine Services, Inc. submitted falsified documents, including a Construction Certificate and Affidavit of Ownership.
Charges against the other respondents have been recommended for dismissal due to a lack of probable cause.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla gave assurance that those responsible for the oil spill will be held accountable.
“Negligence cannot be used as an excuse to destroy the environment and livelihood of people,” Remulla stressed.
“It is important to be diligent on land and on our waters,” he said.