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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Ethanol spill hits 10 Negros Oriental villages

Ethanol spill hits 10 Negros Oriental villages

Published Oct 29, 2025 11:05 pm
DEAD fish caused by the ethanol spill. (MarGale Bancairen)
DEAD fish caused by the ethanol spill. (MarGale Bancairen)
BACOLOD CITY – An ethanol spill from the Universal Robina Corp. (URC) distillery plant in Bais City, Negros Oriental has affected 10 coastal barangays in the city and a portion of the neighboring town of Manjuyod.
Bais City Mayor Luigi Marcel Goñi met representatives of URC on Wednesday, Oct. 29, to discuss measures to address the leak discovered on Oct. 24.
The city government requested URC to collect dead fish and other aquaculture affected in the North Bais Bay.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-7 (Central Visayas) advised the public to refrain from fishing, collecting, and gathering aquatic organisms in affected areas for they may contain harmful pathogens, chemicals, and pollutants that pose risks to human health.
Goñi and Manjuyod Mayor Raffy Alipio Andaya have met management and concerned government agencies for immediate response to the spill.
The city government has ordered URC to immediately stop operations to prevent further damage to eco-marine life within the Tañon Strait. The company has complied with the order.
The URC is rehabilitating affected lagoon and has committed to provide financial assistance to affected fisherfolk from Bais City and Manjuyod.
URC said that the lagoon wall was cracked by recent earthquakes and further weakened by continuous heavy rains over the past days.
“While the company has been vigilant and diligent about the integrity of its lagoon, the unusually heavy and relentless rains and the series of earthquakes led to this unfortunate incident,” it said.
The city government suspended all trips to Sandbar, a popular tourism destination in Manjuyod, dolphin watching, and swimming activities in the shores and coastlines of Bais City for people’s safety.
The municipal government, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Negros Island Region (NIR), will distribute relief goods to affected families on Thursday, Oct. 30 at the Manjuyod Activity Center.
The provincial government expressed grave concern over the incident and called upon all stakeholders to remain vigilant and cooperative, stressing that protection of the environment and public welfare remains their paramount concern, and all measures will be taken to uphold the integrity of the province’s coastal resources.

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Manjuyod Bais City Negros Oriental Chemical spill Ethanol
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