The local government unit of Manjuyod in Negros Oriental has ordered the suspension of visitors to their white sandbar.

This came after locals noticed water discoloration allegedly caused by an ethanol leak coming from a lagoon dike of a distillery.

Investigation also found that the leak happened on Friday, October 24.

The order, signed by Mayor Raffy Alipio Andaya, noted that the dike collapsed “due to earthquake-induced cracks and continuous heavy rainfall over the past several days.”

“The said incident has caused the discharge of wastewater effluent into nearby waterways, resulting in the occurrence of water discoloration affecting the coastal waters and marine environment of Manjuyod,” wrote a portion of his order.

In fact, several videos surfaced showing dead fish and damaged mangroves.

Andaya added that the suspension of temporary until the situation returns to normal.

The order covers not just the suspension of visitor acceptance but also all tourism-related activities at the Manjuyod white sandbar.

Local officials have already sat down with representatives from the company which owns the lagoon dike.

“During the discussion, the municipal officials urged the company to immediately implement corrective actions to prevent further environmental damage,” said the municipality’s public information office.

The company’s operations are also temporarily suspended.

Also present during the meeting were officials from adjacent Bais City who are also affected by the water discoloration.

Representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture were also there during the meeting.

The Manjuyod Sandbar is one of Negros Oriental’s primary attractions, known for its clear waters and dolphin watching activities. (ABS-CBN News)