The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is closely monitoring the reported wastewater spill in Barangay Tamiso, Bais City, Negros Oriental, following the collapse of a containment lagoon at the Universal Robina Corporation (URC) Bais Distillery on October 26, the agency said Sunday.
According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the incident caused visible discoloration in North Bais Bay and posed potential risks to marine biodiversity, fisheries, and local livelihoods.
Preliminary assessments indicated that about 382.3 hectares of coastal and marine areas may be affected, covering eight barangays in Bais City and five barangays in Manjuyod town.
OCD Administrator and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director Undersecretary Harold Cabreros has directed the NDRRMC Operations Center, through the OCD Central Office and the OCD Negros Island Region (OCD NIR), to continuously monitor the situation.
“OCD NIR is conducting ocular inspections and coordinating with the local DRRM Office and other concerned agencies to address the impacts of the wastewater spill and support response operations,” OCD said.
The Bais City government said the concerned company is now “undertaking rehabilitation of the affected lagoon and has committed to provide financial assistance to the affected fisherfolk from both Bais City and Manjuyod.”
“We stand with the people of Bais and Manjuyod in demanding accountability and urgent ecological action. The Tañon Strait is not only a marine sanctuary but a lifeline for communities. We call on all agencies and industries to uphold stronger safeguards and transparency in protecting our shared ocean heritage.” Frances Camille Rivera, Executive Director, Oceanus Conservation, meanwhile, said.
