Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

Dennis Datu

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Hundreds of runners took to the streets on Saturday in Pola, Oriental Mindoro to continue pressing for justice for livelihoods and the environment damaged by the oil spill caused by the sinking of the oil tanker MT Princess Empress three years ago.A 5-kilometer fun run dubbed “Run Mindoro: Takbo ng Pagbangon” was held to commemorate the oil spill disaster that severely affected Oriental Mindoro and neighboring provinces. The run began at the Krus ng Kalikasan in Barangay Pahilahan, a monument erected as a symbol of resilience and recovery for the people of Pola, and ended in Barangay Batuhan, one of the communities heavily impacted by the oil spill.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/food-travel/2025/10/28/white-sandbar-in-manjuyod-negros-oriental-temporarily-closed-due-to-water-discoloration-1826">White Sandbar in Manjuyod temporarily closed due to water discoloration </a> </div>The activity was led by former Philippine National Police Chief and MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III. It was also joined by residents, fishermen, police personnel, members of the Philippine Coast Guard, and firefighters.According to Pola Mayor Jennifer “Ina Alegre” Cruz, the impact of the oil spill continues to be felt, particularly by fishermen, many of whom are still struggling to rebuild their livelihoods.Coinciding with the third anniversary of the disaster was the expiration of the three-year deadline set by the International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC) Fund for the filing of compensation claims by those affected.However, many claimants have yet to receive adequate compensation for the damages caused by the sinking of the MT Princess Empress, owned by RDC Reield Marine Services. The vessel was carrying more than 900,000 liters of industrial fuel when it sank off the waters of Oriental Mindoro near the town of Pola.“Ang tagal ng papeles sa kanila, bakit hindi nila tinapos,until now  three years na bakit hindi pa tapos?” Mayor Cruz asked the IOPC.Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor said that of the more than 37,000 individuals whose livelihoods were affected by the oil spill, only over 35,000 claims have been approved by the IOPC, amounting to approximately P2.7 billion.“May ilan pa tayo mga kababayan na tinutulungan ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan na makapagbigay ng asunto sa mga husgado upang maibigay ang karampatang  kompensasyon  lalo sa ating mga kababayang naghihikahos” Dolor said.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/06/06/23/mindoro-oil-spill-significantly-controlled-denr">Mindoro oil spill &#x27;significantly controlled&#x27;: DENR </a> </div>Governor Dolor has also filed a petition before the Office of the Clerk of Court seeking damages from the IOPC to recover expenses incurred by the provincial government during the oil spill response.He expressed dissatisfaction after only P18 million out of the P31 million compensation claim filed by the provincial government was approved by the IOPC.The provincial government intends to pursue the remaining P13 million in claimed damages.“Nais ko lang linawin na ang kiniclaim natin ay actual na danyos  na ginastos  ng pamahalaang panlalawigan, hindi dito kasama ang danyos sa environment na may another forum at agency na incharge para sa asuntong ito” Dolor added.In 2024, or one year after the oil spill disaster, the Department of Justice filed multiple counts of falsification by private individuals and multiple use of falsified documents under Article 172 in relation to Article 171(2) of the Revised Penal Code, as well as multiple counts of falsification of public or official documents, against the corporate officers of RDC Reield Marine Services Inc., two crew members of M/T Princess Empress, the project manager, and a personnel of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/03/08/23/govt-aims-to-clean-up-mindoro-oil-spill-in-less-than-4-months-marcos">Gov&#x27;t aims to clean up Oriental Mindoro oil spill in less than 4 months: Marcos </a> </div>On December 9, 2025, a group of fishermen from Calapan City, Pinamalayan, and Pola filed a class suit before the Pinamalayan Regional Trial Court against RDC Reield Marine Services, SL Harbor Bulk Terminal Corporation, and the International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC) Funds.

Hundreds of runners took to the streets on Saturday in Pola, Oriental Mindoro to continue pressing for justice for livelihoods and the environment damaged by the oil spill caused by the sinking of the oil tanker MT Princess Empress three years ago.

Hundreds of runners took to the streets on Saturday in Pola, Oriental Mindoro to continue pressing for justice for livelihoods and the environment damaged by the oil spill caused by the sinking of the oil tanker MT Princess Empress three years ago.

Hundreds join fun run in Pola, seek justice on 3rd anniversary of Mindoro oil spill

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Regions

Hundreds join fun run in Pola, seek justice on 3rd anniversary of Mindoro oil spill

Dennis Datu,

ABS-CBN News

Published Mar 01, 2026 04:55 PM PHT

Read More:

Oil spill

Pola

Oriental Mindoro

Fun run

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.