Department of National Defense Officer-in-Charge (DND-OIC) Carlito Galvez Jr. lauded the collective and coordinated oil spill response operations spearheaded by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Unified Incident Commander, CG Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla, on the ground.

This occurred during his visit to Pola, Oriental Mindoro, to meet PCG, NDRRMC, AFP, and LGU officials about the Oriental Mindoro oil spill in Pola, Oriental Mindoro, yesterday, 25 March 2023.

PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Artemio M Abu, and PCG Marine Environmental Protection Commander, CG Vice Admiral Robert Patrimonio, joined the discussion about the ongoing oil spill response operations and efforts to support the affected families, followed by the conduct of aerial and coastal inspections. 

CG Admiral Abu shared that the officials arrived at a common observation that the area's situation is improving.

In a press briefing, the DND-OIC conveyed the government's message of assurance to the affected families about the immediate mitigation, control, clean-up, and recovery of spilt oil. 

He also shared efforts to ensure the most expedient availability of technical capability and the correct and timely processing of claims through the P&I.