The Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating a potential “conspiracy” behind the recent maritime disaster in Bataan, which resulted in three vessels leaking thousands of liters of fuel into Manila Bay.
DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez highlighted numerous “red flags” surrounding the incident during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.
On Friday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that the DOJ is considering a class suit against those responsible for the oil spill, noting that all three vessels involved were “interconnected,” without further elaboration.
Explaining the connection, Vasquez said, “They are all near each other,” indicating that the vessels’ proximity raises suspicion.
The disaster began on July 25 when the MT Terranova capsized and sank 3.6 nautical miles east of Lamao Point in Limay, Bataan, resulting in the death of one crew member. The vessel was carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel.
Two days later, on July 27, the MTKR Jason Bradley sank off the waters of Mariveles, Bataan, leaking its cargo of 5,500 liters of diesel. Additionally, the MV Mirola 1 ran aground near Mariveles, with oil seen flowing from its tanks into the ocean.
“I think these are three to five nautical miles away from each other. We can draw a lot of conclusions from there,” Vasquez noted.
Authorities are questioning why the vessels set sail despite warnings of an approaching typhoon. “There are many questions, but I won’t comment further as the fact-finding is ongoing. Maybe it’s a conspiracy, maybe… who knows?” Vasquez stated.
When asked if conspiracy is a focal point of the investigation, Vasquez confirmed, “We’ll look into it, of course, because there are red flags.”
GMA News Online has sought a comment from the lawyer of Portvaga Ship Management Inc., owner of the MV Terranova, but has yet to receive a reply.
Vasquez also mentioned that the crew’s statements raised suspicions, particularly regarding the time spent at sea relative to their destinations. “When we asked, they said they’ve been out at sea for quite some time already, yet the ship has not moved that much,” Vasquez said.
Addressing the possibility of intentional sinking, Vasquez acknowledged, “In all investigations, we always consider the possibility that it was intentional because the liabilities are heavier.”
“Even if it wasn’t intentional, there could still be criminal liability due to negligence,” he added. However, Vasquez emphasized the presumption of innocence and stated that no conclusions can be made at this point.
The DOJ has tasked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) with conducting a parallel investigation into the incident.