Gaute Sivertsen, the director of International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC), is currently visiting the Philippines to assist the country in the aftermath of the Mindoro oil spill. The IOPC handles the assessment and payment processes for oil spill victims. Sivertsen was accompanied by Ana Cuesta, claims manager of IOPC, and visited Caluya, Antique and Sitio Sabang in barangay Tinogboc, Semirara Island to evaluate the pollution damage. Sivertsen also met with the Department of Justice officials this week to discuss filing complaints against shipowner RDC Reield Marine Services. The claims process for insurance has begun, after previously facing fears that the insurer could not claim insurance for the ship that was operating without a valid permit. The Philippines signed the International Convention on Civil Liability Convention for Oil Pollution Damage and the 1992 International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage or 1992 Fund in 1997. The 1992 Fund is expected to pay compensation to exceed the shipowner’s civil liability cover. The claims process began in March in Calapan City with a new collection center opening last month in Barangay Banilad, Pinamalayan. Over 24,000 fisherfolk were affected by fishing bans and damaged fishing grounds, with the total damage reaching P3.8 billion.
