State of calamity declared in 13 coastal barangays
Fishing has been banned in 13 coastal barangays in Bais City, Negros Oriental after a containment dike of a distillery of the Universal Robina Corporation (URC) collapsed and spilled molasses wastewater into the bay, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
An estimated 255,000 cubic meters of molasses wastewater have been released into Bais Bay, potentially affecting 382.29 hectares of marine areas across 13 barangays within the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape, according to the DENR. Bais has declared a state of calamity.
In a statement sent to the Manila Standard on Sunday, the URC said that “at present, 127 personnel supported by 20 Coast Guard members, are engaged in the repair of the collapsed section of Bais distillery.”
“The work is now 60% complete and is projected to be finished by November 4, 2025. The new dike will be reinforced and strengthened with rubber tires and boulders to make it withstand the relentless rains and earthquake that caused its breach last October 26, 2025,” it said.
The URC said it has deployed experts “who will help contain the spilled wastewater within a limited area and guide the Company, local and other relevant authorities on how best to foster marine re-growth and recovery.”
It also said that URC has been “providing for the needs of the families affected by the spill and will continue to do so until the situation goes back to normal.”
DENR Region 7 said that its personnel are working with partner agencies and local government units (LGUs) to address the spillage, while continuing to monitor its environmental impact.
“We reaffirm our commitment to upholding environmental laws, holding all responsible parties accountable, and restoring the ecological integrity of the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape,” the agency said.
Earlier, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) issued an advisory against all fishing activities in the coastal areas of Bais City and Manjuyod town following the spill from the URC distillery.
It also advised against the consumption of aquatic products derived from affected waters.
The spill has caused massive discoloration of the water and widespread fish kills due to depleted oxygen levels.
Meanwhile, the DENR said its officials have met with URC representatives to ensure full compliance with government directives, ensure relief to affected community members through LGU channels, and secure technical cooperation from the company.
“We assure the public that comprehensive monitoring and rehabilitation efforts are ongoing to protect marine biodiversity and support the communities affected by this incident. We will continue to keep the public informed through regular updates,” it added.
DENR is set to conduct a comprehensive review of URC’s environmental compliance certificate and other related permits.
The agency assured it will initiate administrative, civil, and criminal proceedings against the responsible parties.
Furthermore, the DENR said it immediately convened a technical conference with the Philippine Coast Guard and local government authorities to coordinate response efforts and implement containment measures.
URC, for its part, agreed to hasten the repair of the breached portion of the dike, which is projected to be completed by November 4, and support an ecological assessment of the ecological damage, to be conducted by experts from local universities such as Siliman University.
The food and beverage company also committed to providing relief assistance to affected community members in Bais and Manjuyod.
For its part, 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.”
Initial water quality assessments conducted by the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) indicate low levels of dissolved oxygen in affected waters, which may cause the death of marine life and other adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
As this developed, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said it is closely monitoring the reported wastewater spill.
OCD Administrator and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director Undersecretary Harold Cabreros on Sunday said, “[the] 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.”
On November 5, the DENR will convene the Executive Committee of the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape Protected Area Management Board to determine immediate priorities, outline rehabilitation strategies, and ensure the sustained protection of the affected areas.
