The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Negros Oriental has allowed the resumption of motorboat trips to and from the White Sandbar in Manjuyod town, an official said yesterday.

Lt. Marionne Abigail Enopia, commander of the Coast Guard Station Negros Oriental, told the Philippine News Agency in an interview that they lifted the ban late Wednesday afternoon, November 19, after Manjuyod Mayor Raffy Andaya ordered the reopening of the White Sandbar.

“Motorboats carrying tourists and other passengers are now permitted to sail to and from the Sandbar, as it is now deemed safe after almost three weeks of closure due to the wastewater spillage,” Enopia said.

Andaya shut down the tourist destination in his town, famed for its dolphin-watching and other sea sports and recreation, two days after the October 26 wastewater spillage into the Bais Bay and nearby areas within the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS).

A breached portion of the containment lagoon of the Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) Bais Distillery had collapsed, spilling millions of gallons of spent wash into the sea, resulting in water discoloration, fish kills, and the displacement of thousands of fisherfolk.

The TSPS hosts around 14 species of whales and dolphins, and sustains a variety of habitats, including coral reefs and mangroves.

It is an essential fishing area for coastal communities that rely on the ocean for their sustenance and livelihoods.

Enopia said the collapsed section of the lagoon was fully sealed this week, but the wall’s height needs to be elevated.

URC has yet to resume operations due to the ongoing investigation into the spill while waiting for approval from government agencies, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (PNA)