Ship owner sets up claims office in Oriental Mindoro; advises oil spill victims against filing lawsuits.

The insurance claims process for victims of the oil spill caused by MT Princess Empress in the Oriental Mindoro province of the Philippines has begun. Representatives of the insurers are meeting with the provincial government to establish a claims office at which the affected subsistence fishermen, fish vendors and resort owners can make claims. Valeriano del Rosario, a lawyer for insurers, called for patience from the public, but said victims could be compensated for their losses without the need for a class action or separate individual civil or criminal cases. The compensation will include economic losses, property damage, and the costs of cleaning up. RDC Reield Marine Services, the ship owner, is thought to have insured MT Princess Empress for £1 billion ($1.24 billion).