MANILA, Philippines — A Catholic bishop known as for the brand new management of the Division of Atmosphere and Pure Sources (DENR) to hunt justice for the oil spill within the Verde Island Passage (VIP), following Malacañang’s announcement that Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna will function appearing DENR secretary.
In an announcement on Saturday, Caritas Philippines President Bishop Gerry Alminaza stated the management change should end in ethical and political accountability over the environmental injury and lack of livelihoods the oil spill precipitated.
“We urge Appearing Secretary Cuna to be true to the mandate of the DENR. Uphold justice, accountability, rehabilitation, and long-term safety for the VIP and the Philippines’ biodiversity as an entire,” Alminaza stated.
The Verde Island Passage oil spill occurred in 2023, when the tanker MT Princess Empress launched 800,000 liters of business gas oil off the coast of Oriental Mindoro.
Three years after the incident, Alminaza stated accountability for the injury to marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of affected communities remained unsure.
