The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) has called on Universal Robina Corporation (URC) to compensate fisherfolk affected by the recent molasses wastewater spill in Negros Oriental.

In a television interview, DENR-EMB Assistant Director Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe confirmed that approximately 255,000 cubic meters of molasses wastewater leaked into Bais Bay and Manjuyo on October 26, following the collapse of a 15-meter section of URC’s lagoon dike. The spill contaminated parts of the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape, a vital marine ecosystem.

Naz-Hipe emphasized that URC is bound by its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) to provide compensation. “Part po yan nung kanilang sa ECC condition is that they shall pay or they shall cover yung mga ganyang compensation if there is damage to the environment or sa mga stakeholders,” she said, as quoted by PNA.

Around 3,000 fisherfolk were prohibited from fishing due to visible pollution, prompting the Bais City government to declare a state of calamity. Tourism activities, including dolphin watching and visits to the Manjuyod White Sandbar, were also suspended due to water discoloration and foul odor.

Naz-Hipe added that URC may face penalties under the Clean Water Ac, with possible fines reaching ₱500,000 per day, subject to review by the Pollution Adjudication Board. Cleanup and rehabilitation efforts are ongoing, with URC reportedly completing 90% of repairs to the damaged pond as of November 3.

The DENR, along with local governments, the Philippine Coast Guard, and Silliman University, continues to monitor the situation and assess environmental impacts. (PNA)