Three years after disastrous oil spill in Verde Island Passage: Communities, advocates, and local gov't unite for justice, long-term protection of marine corridor

POLA, ORIENTAL MINDORO – Three years after the oil spill in the Verde Island Passage (VIP), fisherfolk groups, communities, academe, environmental advocates, and government officials joined together in the disaster’s ground zero, calling for justice, rehabilitation, and long-term protection of the marine corridor. 

“Today, we stand not only to remember the devastation that befell the VIP and its communities, but to continue in calling for justice that delivers fair compensation to those affected and holds the corporations responsible accountable for the damages inflicted upon the marine ecosystem of the VIP and the communities relying on it,” said Father Edwin Gariguez, lead convenor of Protect VIP.

Accounts from affected fisherfolk reveal that they are still awaiting compensation. On December 9, 2025 affected fisherfolk filed a class suit before the Pinamalayan Regional Trial Court demanding accountability from MT Princess Empress shipowner RDC Reield Marine Services, Inc., charterer and San Miguel Corporation subsidiary SL Harbor Bulk Terminal Corporation, insurer The Shipowners’ Club, and the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC).

“Unang unang hindi pa nababago ay ang paghina ng huli kahit na tatlong taon na. Ramdam na ramdam pa ng mangingisda ‘yan,” said Aldrin Villanueva, President of Koalisyon ng mga Mangingisda Apektado ng Oil Spill (KMAOS). “Kaya hanggang ngayon ay uhaw pa rin kami sa hustisya. Hanggang ngayon ay marami pa sa amin na walang natatanggap na kompensasyon.”

The oil spill incurred 41.2 billion pesos worth of environmental and socio-economic damages, according to a study by the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED).

“The 2023 oil spill is a consequence of massive industrialization and concentration of polluting industries in the VIP. When there is heavy traffic of ships carrying toxic cargo traversing this marine corridor, there are more chances for such disasters to happen. If this exposure to threats of fossil fuel pollution continues, there is no doubt that the VIP will experience more oil spills in the future. The best move we can do now is to push for protecting the VIP,” said Gerry Arances, Executive Director of the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED).

“As we continue to demand that our cries for justice be heard, we also pray for the full recovery of the damaged ecosystems and livelihoods caused by this oil spill. True recovery is not simply about moving on, but also putting in lasting protection to ensure that similar disasters will not be repeated. A crucial first step is designating the VIP as a protected area under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act,” Gariguez added. 

The commemoration was organized by Protect VIP, CEED, and the local government of Pola — the town hardest hit by the 2023 oil spill. Prior to the event, the local government of Pola conducted a symbolic marathon, “Takbo ng Pagbangon”.

“Ang Verde Island Passage ay kailangang protektahan. Hindi lang ‘yun, kailangan ding protektahan ang ating mga mangingisda – sa buong Pilipinas, not only in Pola, not only in Oriental Mindoro,” said Mayor Jennifer Cruz of Pola, Oriental Mindoro.

The event was joined by representatives from Koalisyon ng mga Mangingisda Apektado ng Oil Spill (KMAOS), Bukluran ng Mangingisda sa Batangas (BMB), Mindoro State University, and CENRO Soccoro.

"Daluyong ng Pag-asa" Commemoration Foum by Protect VIP, CEED, and the LGU of Pola.

"Takbo ng Pagbangon" Run by the LGU of Pola.