President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has ordered an investigation into the massive wastewater spill from the Universal Robina Corp. (URC) Bais Distillery in Negros Oriental, with sanctions and legal action now under review following widespread environmental and livelihood damage.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, in a media briefing in Malacañang, said the President was immediately informed of the incident and directed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to coordinate with the Philippine Coast Guard and local government units for urgent containment measures.
She said the DENR has already met with URC Bais Distillery officials and ordered them to address the spill immediately.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has also instructed affected residents to halt fishing temporarily and the collection of aquatic products to avoid health risks.
Castro added that authorities are studying whether to file charges against URC for possible violations of Republic Act (RA) 11038, also known as the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act, which covers the Tanon Strait Protected Seascape near the affected area.
“Pinag-aaralan din po kung dapat nang sampahan ng kaso base sa RA 11038,” she said.
The Palace statement follows growing outrage in Negros Oriental after some 255,000 cubic meters of wastewater spilled into Bais Bay and nearby coastal areas when the distillery’s lagoon wall collapsed on October 28.
The spill has caused mass fish kills, pollution, and the displacement of coastal families and businesses.
The Manjuyod local government has since declared a 90-day state of calamity, while the provincial government reported the loss of around 10,000 milkfish fingerlings at its aquaculture complex in Barangay Panambalon.
Local officials have also demanded accountability and long-term safeguards.
Fisherfolk and residents, meanwhile, have staged protests outside the URC facility, calling for compensation and immediate assistance as the environmental impact continues to spread across Negros Oriental’s coastal communities. (PNA)