NBI sends probe team to Guimaras

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said yesterday it may file charges of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property against the crew and owner of M/T Solar 1 once it has established the complainants and assessed the damage of the oil spill in Guimaras.

Acting NBI assistant director Alejandro Tenerife said they are sending a four-man team to Guimaras today to determine the criminal culpability of Norberto Aguro, captain of M/T Solar 1, and his crew and the tanker’s owner, Sunshine Maritime Development Corp. (SMDC).

"This is in preparation to the filing of a criminal case against the crewmembers, captain and owner (of the tanker). This is to assess who are the complainants in the case," he said.

"One of the possible charges that we may file against them and other persons responsible (for the oil spill) is reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property," he added.

The oil spill, considered the worst environmental disaster in the country, destroyed mangroves, coral reefs and other marine life, severely affecting the livelihood of Guimaras folk.

The tanker, which spilled bunker fuel in the waters of Guimaras last Aug. 11, remains submerged 900 feet deep in the Guimaras Strait.