Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito A. Dolor has been invited to share his expertise on oil spill management at an urgent government meeting, following a new threat in Manila Bay.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) extended the invitation in a letter dated July 26, 2024.

DILG Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr. asked Governor Dolor to be a resource person at a dialogue scheduled for July 29, 2024, citing his experience in handling the MT Princess Empress oil spill in February 2023.

The meeting aims to address the potential environmental crisis caused by the sinking of MT Terra Nova off the coast of Limay, Bataan.

“Given your experience in managing these kinds of environmental disturbances, especially during the MT Princess Empress Oil Spill in February 2023, the undersigned invites you to be one of the resource persons during the said dialogue,” Abalos wrote to Dolor.

The dialogue, to be held at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) office in San Fernando, Pampanga, will focus on “The 2023 Oriental Mindoro Oil Spill: Strategies for Containment and Recovery.”

Local chief executives from Region III and CALABARZON are expected to attend.

Secretary Abalos emphasized that Governor Dolor’s insights would be crucial in guiding local government units through the challenges expected from this new incident.

The MT Terra Nova reportedly sank about 7 kilometers off Limay’s coast, posing a significant threat to Manila Bay.

The proactive approach by the DILG signifies the government’s recognition of the need for experienced leadership and coordinated efforts in addressing environmental threats.

The 2023 MT Princess Empress spill caused extensive damage to marine ecosystems and local livelihoods in Oriental Mindoro and surrounding areas.

Secretary Maria Antonia Y. Loyzaga of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has also been notified of the upcoming dialogue, indicating a multi-agency approach to the potential crisis.

As of press time, no further details about the extent of the oil spill threat or the condition of MT Terra Nova have been released.