The Department of Justice (DOJ) has committed to assist fisherfolk who claim they have received insufficient or unfair compensation following the devastating 2022 oil spill off the coast of Mindoro Island.

Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez told Radyo Pilipinas that compensation amounts varied because “each situation is different”.

“Some people could only provide certain documentation, while others were completely unable to fish or sail due to the oil spill,” Vasquez explained, adding that the department stands ready to help negotiate with the International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC) fund.

“If there’s a need, we are here. We must work together and understand the process. Just remember that your government is behind you in pursuing these claims,” he said.

In February 2022, the MT Princess Empress tanker sank near Oriental Mindoro province while carrying approximately 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil.

The disaster affected more than 143,000 residents across 60 coastal villages, devastating marine ecosystems and crippling the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen and tourism workers.

The spill is considered one of the worst environmental disasters in Philippine maritime history, with oil reaching as far as Palawan province and affecting nearly 36,000 hectares of marine habitat, including coral reefs and mangrove forests.

Jennifer Cruz, Mayor of Pola, one of the worst-affected municipalities, lamented about the compensation process.

“They may not have properly checked who should receive larger assistance, who should get less, who the real fisherfolk are, and who dive daily in the sea… this should be carefully verified, which is why many are complaining,” Cruz said.

The mayor stressed that even after two years, communities are still experiencing lingering negative effects on fishing and tourism livelihoods.

She claimed that nearly half of those affected have yet to receive any compensation.

“Our resort owners haven’t received anything at all, nor have market vendors and shopkeepers. That means roughly 50% of Pola’s affected residents have received compensation so far,” Cruz said.

She assured constituents she would continue advocating for them: “I’ve stood by this issue from day one, why would I abandon it now?”

According to the DOJ, up to 40,000 people may receive their claims by 2026. (with a report by the PIA)

File photo by the Philippine News Agency