Oil Spill in Philippines

Three years after the oil spill that struck the Verde Island Passage (VIP), fisherfolk, Church leaders, environmental advocates, academics, and local government officials gathered on Feb. 28 in the coastal town of Pola, Oriental Mindoro, considered the disaster’s ground zero, to demand justice, rehabilitation, and long-term protection of one of the world’s most biodiverse marine corridors.

A group of environmental advocates, fisherfolk, and civil society groups on Wednesday raised concern over policy inadequacies in protecting the Philippines’ seas from oil spills and in exacting accountability from polluters.

“Our fight does not end today and we will not cease to fight until we see a clear path towards its recovery, which would only be possible if justice is served, polluters are held accountable, and communities are properly compensated,” added Fr. Gariguez.