DENR files complaint vs distillery over Negros Oriental molasses spill

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – The Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has filed a complaint against Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) Bais Distillery over a molasses spill in October that damaged the environment, livelihoods, and tourism in Negros Oriental.

“Aside from criminal liability, administrative charges under the Clean Water Act against URC Bais Distillery executives are also being considered,” Charlie Fabre, director of DENR in the Negros Island Region, said on Monday, December 8.

The DENR’s Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB) is scheduled to deliberate on the matter on December 18 and will also decide whether to lift a cease-and-desist order issued against the plant on October 27.

Fabre said the criminal complaint for violation of the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act of 2018 was filed with the Bais City prosecutor’s office on November 21. Violations involving molasses spills carry fines ranging from P200,000 to P1 million.

The spill, which lasted three weeks, contaminated more than 400 hectares of the 534,589-hectare Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS), killed fish in shallow waters, and suspended tourism activities in nearby Manjuyod town and Bais City, affecting around 1,280 tourism workers, including tour guides, boatmen, and hotel staff.

The spill released some 255,000 cubic meters of molasses wastewater after the plant’s dikes were damaged. Fabre said URC would need to be held liable for the estimated P182 million in fisheries damage even as it should be compelled to contribute to recovery efforts.

Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez, acting director of the Department of Tourism for the Negros Island Region, said the agency collaborated with the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Social Welfare and Development to provide food packs and cash aid to affected workers as a result.

Vicente Losbañes, director of the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau, said clean-up operations in the Tañon Strait would continue until the area is fully restored. He added that if the cease-and-desist order is lifted, URC would be required to reduce the capacity of its wastewater lagoon to prevent future spills. – Rappler.com