All questions surrounding the sunken and capsized vessels that caused massive oil spill in Bataan and nearby cities will be investigated, President Marcos said.
Those who will be found responsible for the large-scale oil spill incident will be held accountable, Marcos added.
"Sa usapin naman ng imbestigasyon, tuloy-tuloy ang paghahanap natin ng sagot sa mga katanungang: May kinalaman ba ang mga barkong ito sa oil smuggling (In terms of investigation, we continue to seek answers to all questions: Are these ships involved in oil smuggling)?," Marcos said in his speech during the distribution of assistance to fisherfolk affected by the oil spill in Navotas on Thursday, Sept. 12.
"Bakit ang dalawang barko, sa kabila ng walang rehistro ay napatakbo sa ating karagatan (Despite being unregistered, the two ships were able to sail)," Marcos raised.
Aside from MT Terranova, two more vessels—diesel cargo Jason Bradley and MV Mirola 1—were involved in the oil spills in Bataan.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), only MT Terranova was authorized to sail among the three vessels.
However, all three vessels were placed under investigation.
"Lahat ito ay iniimbestigahan para tiyakin na pananagutin natin ang mga may sala (All of these are being investigated to ensure that those responsible will be held accountable)," Marcos said.
The President has echoed his assurance that those who were affected by the massive oil spill will be compensated.
"Sa usapin tungkol sa tinatawag na compensation, patuloy na nag-uusap ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno at ang mga may-ari ng barkong Terranova. Sila po ay sasagot sa mga pinsalang dulot ng oil spill (Regarding compensation, government agencies and the owner of Terranova continue to discuss the matter. They will be giving compensation for the damage that the oil spill caused)," Marcos told fisherfolk.
Meanwhile, as a gift to fishermen and their families, he gave an additional amount for the cash aid given to fisherfolk, making the supposed P5,000 cash assistance to P7,500.
The Chief Executive said he is giving it in time for his 67th birthday on Sept. 13.
"Kayo naman ay medyo naramdaman ko na birthday ko, baka pagsuspetiyahan ninyo ako na pagka-Ilocano ko ay lumalabas na kuripot. Kaya ‘yung ibibigay natin na limang libo, dagdagan na natin, gawin na nating 7,500 (Because I can really feel that it's my birthday, and you might say I'm stingy. So I'm increasing the P5,000 assistance to P7,500)," Marcos said.