A PCG personnel inspects the site affected by the capsized oil tanker off Limay, Bataan. PCGMANILA (UPDATE) — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has assigned the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to conduct a joint investigation into the sinking of MT Terra Nova, which carried over 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil. 

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“Nag-order na po si Secretary Jaime Bautista ng joint investigation ng Marina at ng Coast Guard," PCG spokesman Armand Balilo said.

MT Terra Nova, carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil, capsized and eventually sank 3.6 nautical miles east off Lamao Point, Limay, Bataan on Thursday.

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The PCG had warned that if all the oil in the tanker were to leak, it would be the biggest spill in Philippine history.

Balilo said initial investigation found that the tanker sailed prior to the issuance of a public storm warning signal in Bataan.

"Kaya po siya pinayagan maglayag," he said.

The tanker eventually attempted to return and sought the help of another ship.

"Nakita niyang masama ang panahon… kaya nag decide siyang bumalik pero ang nangyari po parang nagkaroon ng derangement at nagpahatak daw sila sa isang barko pa at sa kasamaang palad lang nga po, napatid ang linya na humahatak sa kanila at nawalan na sila ng control sa barko at yun na po ang naging dahilan kaya sila nag-submerge at nagsalok ng tubig at tuluyan nang lumubog,” Balilo said on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on PTV.

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Limay Mayor Nelson David earlier Friday said the industrial fuel oil carried by tanker remained intact.

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“Wala pa namang leak doon sa tangke ng nasabing barko," Balilo confirmed. 

“Yun pa rin yung tantsa ng mga personnel natin on the ground na around 2 kilometers lang ang oil slick at saka oil sheen na nakita at yun naman ay galing pa sa engine, yung working fuel ng barko at wala pong dapat ipangamba kasi mukhang na-secure naman ng crew ang kanilang tangke bago sila nag-abandon ship,” Balilo added.

Should an oil spill happen, some areas in NCR and nearby provinces would be affected, according to Balilo. The PCG has already coordinated with the identified LGUs to prepare for a response.

"Base po sa trajectory ng langis vis a vis po ng hangin at saka po ng current ng dagat ang maaapetukhan po talaga ay itong Manila, Navotas, Bulacan, at Pampanga kung ito ay magli-leak. Kaya nag-coordinate na po tayo, nag dispatch tayo ng personnel doon sa mga areas na yan para mag-monitor po at makipag-ugnayan sa mga local government units.”

Ten out of the 16 crew members rescued by the PCG have been turned over to their respective families. One of the crew died from the incident.

Meanwhile, the Department of Energy supported the Oil Pollution Management Fund (OPMF) Committee in addressing the identified urgent funding requirements for oil spill containment, removal, and clean-up operations.

"Pursuant to Republic Act No. 9483, also known as the Oil Pollution Compensation Act of 2007, a quick response fund and a committee were established to manage and oversee the use of resources for such incidents," the DOE said. 

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla has also asked private oil companies and related businesses to support efforts to contain the oil spill and help affected communities.

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