November 12, 2025
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1263161
The Philippine Coast Guard on Wednesday reported that dolphins have been sighted while seawater in Tañon Strait now appears “clear” almost three weeks after the disastrous molasses wastewater spill in the protected seascape.
Lt. Marionne Abigail Enopia, commander of the Coast Guard Station Negros Oriental, announced the development during a public hearing held on developments relative to the United Robina Corporation (URC) Bais Distillery’s spent wash spillage on Oct. 27.
“Water sampling conducted by Coast Guard personnel in the past days until today showed improvement in color, which appeared to be already clear,” Enopia said on Wednesday.
She added that dolphins were spotted riding the bow of the Coast Guard motorboat monitoring the area on Tuesday.
While the positive developments were met with hope by some officials and stakeholders, authorities from various agencies said the investigation must still continue on the environmental disaster that led to the discoloration of the seawater, fish kills and the displacement of thousands of families and businesses in Bais City and Manjuyod.
Board Member Erwin Macias, chair of the committee on environment who presided over the public hearing, welcomed the positive news but still urged authorities from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to provide additional information relative to the spill.
He said that water sampling beneath the surface must be done to corroborate or compare with the results provided by the Coast Guard.
Macias also asked lawyer Rachel Cawit, the operations manager of URC Bais Distillery, to provide copies of the Environmental Compliance Certificate and other documents necessary for the investigation.
During the public hearing, several fisherfolk impacted by the wastewater spillage aired their sentiments while seeking additional remuneration from URC.
They feared that unless fishing is already allowed and tourist activities resume, they are left to scrounge for their daily subsistence.
The fisherfolk lamented that unless there is approval and endorsement from authorities, they cannot sell fish or seafood in the markets.
Cawit said they already have an updated list of 5,846 families affected by the spillage and assured them of another round of financial assistance.
“The first round was enough for three days and we are still finalizing the list,” she said, adding that more assistance will be given in a week or two.
Initially, 2,852 families were given PHP5,000 each as assistance, she added.
Cawit said URC has not yet resumed its operations as the damaged lagoon that spilled the wastewater is still under repair. (PNA)