Fisherfolk, who were affected by the massive oil spill from the sunken motor tanker Terra Nova in Bataan, were assured of just compensation after taking the hit from the oil spill that halted their livelihood.
President Marcos made the assurance during the distribution of assistance to fisherfolk in Cavite on Wednesday, Aug. 28,
Marcos also told the fisherfolk that the government continues to investigate the incident and vowed that those people responsible for the incident will be held accountable.
"Sa ngayon iniimbestigahan na natin ang paglubog ng mga barko upang makakakalap tayo ng sapat na impormasyon na mapanagot ang mga nagkasala ayon sa batas (Right now, we are investigating the sunken ship to gather enough information to hold those who violated the law accountable)," Marcos said.
"Titiyakin din natin na makakatanggap ng karampatang kompensasyon ang mga naapektuhang mamamayan (We will also assure that those affected will receive compensation)," Marcos added.
'You can now go back to fishing'
The Chief Executive also announced that fisherfolk in Cavite, who were also affected by the massive oil spill, can now go back to fishing as the coast of Cavite is now free from oil spill.
"Nasabihan lang ako ni Secretary Kiko ng DA na mula ngayon ay maaari nang mangisda. Wala nang oil spill, pwede nang ituloy ang inyong hanapbuhay (I was informed by Department of Agriculture Francisco Laurel Jr. that you can now fish. There are no more oil spills, you can now continue with your livelihood)," Marcos told the fishermen whose livelihood was put on halt following the massive oil spill that reached the province last month.
The President informed Cavite fisherfolk that authorities successfully prevented the further oil spill from the sunken motor tanker, and siphoning operations are expected to be completed in 10 days.
"Masaya kong ibinabalita na matagumpay na nating napigilan ang pagtagas ng langis mula sa mga barkong ito, partikular yung Terra Nova, nang hindi na ito makapinsala sa ating kalikasan (I am happy to announce that we were able to successfully prevent further spill of oil from the ships, particularly the Terra Nova, so that it would no longer harm our nature)," Marcos said.
"Nasimulan na rin ang ating operasyon para sa tuluyang pag-recover ng langis sa nasabing barko at inaasahang matapos natin ito sa lalong madaling panahon (We have also started to completely recover oil from the shop and we expect to finish it as soon as possible),"Marcos assured the fishers.
According to the President, the siphoning operations are expected to be completed in 10 days before the sunken vessel can be salvaged and brought to another place in case there is more oil to extract from it.
He also explained that it took time before the siphoning operations started because authorities had to seal leaking valves in the ship.
"'Yan ang una kaya't tumagal bago nasipsip, ngayon nagsisipsip na tayo. Umabot na rin tayo sa araw na masabi nating maaari na naman na ang ating mangigisda ay mangisda ulit (That's what we did first and that's why it took time before we can extract oil. We finally reached the day when we can say that fishermen can fish again)," Marcos said.
Marcos further told Cavite fishermen that P18 million worth of post-harvest equipment, training, and cash assistance for fishermen were already set aside.
Aside from the MT Terra Nova, another vessel—diesel cargo Jason Bradley—also sank in Mariveles, Bataan after the former capsized and submerged off Limay, Bataan in late July.
During the event, Marcos handed over a total of P363,050,000 in financial assistance and standby funds to over 33,000 fisherfolk and their families affected by the Bataan oil spill in Cavite.
Of the figure, P161,510,000 in financial assistance from the Office of the President was extended to Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla. From the amount, P5,000 will be distributed to each affected fisherfolk and their families in the province.