Petron insurer begins compensation process in Guimaras

Petron Corp. said yesterday that representatives of the International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC) Fund, its insurer for oil spill incidents, are conducting oil pollution claims and compensation workshops in Guimaras. These workshops are aimed at facilitating the claims-making process for the victims of the incident.

Sunshine Maritime’s insurer, the Protection and Indemnity Club (P&I), will cover the first tier of insurance (maximum amount $6.7 million). This includes pollution liability, damage to fixed and floating objects and to other properties, and wreck removal among others. Beyond that IOPC will extend compensation (maximum amount of $315 million) for "pollution damage" which covers cleanup costs, property damage, consequential and economic loss.

"In line with our commitment to bring relief to the people of Guimaras as soon as possible, we have urged IOPC to immediately process the claims made by the victims of the Solar I incident," chairman and CEO Nicasio I. Alcantara said. "IOPC and P&I representatives have already met with affected communities including fishermen and those engaged in the tourism industry."

The IOPC 1992 Fund was established as a result of the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (1992 CLC). The Philippines became a member in 1999. Petron has paid out about P120 million to the Fund since that time.

Petron added that it was doing everything possible to speed up onshore cleanup operations in affected areas. Under its Ligtas Guimaras program, the company is employing about 1,500 people daily under a "Cash for Work" scheme in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

As of Sept. 6, nearly 125 kilometers on shoreline has been cleaned and 1,300 metric tons of debris has been collected. The company has also been providing family relief packs for affected families. Petron has completed the distribution of the family packs to all the affected families and has begun a new round of distribution.

There will also be another medical mission tomorrow and Saturday. Last week, Petron conducted a mission in Barangay Cabalagnan wherein hundreds of Guimaranons were given medical assistance.

"We wish to assure the people of Guimaras that we will do whatever it takes to restore the island to its former beauty," Alcantara concluded.