The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has taken swift, science-based and coordinated action in response to the collapse of a containment lagoon of Universal Robina Corp.’s (URC) Bais Distillery in Barangay Tamiso, Bais City on October 26, 2025.
The incident resulted in the release of molasses wastewater into Bais Bay within the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape.
DENR field personnel were immediately deployed to conduct on-site inspections, water quality monitoring and coastal ecosystem assessments in close coordination with the local governments units (LGUs) of Bais City and Manjuyod, URC representatives and affected communities.
Initial assessments confirmed that the dike of Lagoon 6 of URC’s settling pond collapsed, releasing approximately up to 90 percent of its spent wash content into nearby waters.
The release resulted in visible discoloration in North Bais Bay and poses potential risks to marine biodiversity, fisheries and local livelihoods. Approximately 382.3 hectares of coastal and marine area are believed to be potentially affected based on preliminary findings.
Records also indicate that the dike was constructed prior to the issuance of Presidential Proclamation No. 1234 and Republic Act No. 11038 ENIPAS, and rented by URC for use as a wastewater settling pond.
To ensure accountability and environmental safety, the DENR issued an interim Cease and Desist Order and a second Notice of Violation to URC on October 27, 2025 for illegal wastewater discharge and maintaining a structure without prior Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) clearance.
These actions complement the Stop Operations Order earlier issued by LGU Bais and the Stop Tourism Activities in the Manjuyod Sandbar by LGU Manjuyod. The DENR issued the first Notice of Violation to URC on June 3, 2025.
The DENR is also working closely with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the PAMB, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the LGUs of Bais and Manjuyod to contain the spill, assess the extent of the damage and safeguard the marine habitats in Tañon Strait.
