A massive ethanol-laced wastewater spill from a distillery in Negros Oriental, central Philippines, has killed fish, damaged aquaculture farms, and disrupted livelihoods across several coastal villages.

Authorities confirmed the spill occurred on October 24, when a containment dike at Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) distillery in Bais City collapsed, releasing over 250,000 cubic meters of ethanol-mixed molasses wastewater into the Tañon Strait—a protected marine corridor separating Negros and Cebu islands.

The surrounding waters have turned discolored and now emit a strong alcohol odor. Dead fish have washed ashore, prompting fishing bans in multiple barangays.

Provincial agriculturist Emmanuel Caduyac reported that 11 hectares of bangus (milkfish) ponds and nearby tilapia farms have been contaminated.

“We see frequent floating of tilapia. Ang bangus fry nangamatay na (the bangus fry are now dead). The numbers are rising, the mortality of our fingerlings,” he told local media.

Health Warnings and Tourism Suspensions

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Central Visayas (BFAR-7) has warned the public against fishing or consuming seafood from the affected waters of Bais City and Manjuyod due to potential health risks.

“The public is advised to refrain from fishing, collecting, and gathering aquatic organisms, such as but not limited to finfish, crustaceans, and seaweeds, in the affected areas,” said BFAR-7 Regional Director Mario Ruinata.

He added that consuming dead fish is strongly discouraged, “as they may contain harmful pathogens, chemicals, and pollutants that pose risks to human health.”

Tourism activities in Bais City and Manjuyod—including dolphin watching and visits to the famous Manjuyod Sandbar—have been suspended.

“The suspension of all trips going to Sand Bar, dolphin watching and swimming activities in the city shores and coastlines is to ensure the safety of the public as well as our boat crew and operators,” said Bais City Mayor Luigi Marcel Goñi in an executive order dated October 28.

Thousands Affected

Negros Oriental Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria said the spill has impacted 4,500 families, including 3,000 fisherfolk from 13 coastal barangays. URC has pledged ₱5,000 in financial aid per affected family, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development will distribute food packs.

Affected villages include Tamiso, San Isidro, Okyot, and Looc in Bais City, and Maaslom, Alangilanan, and San Jose in Manjuyod.

Impact Across the Strait

The provincial government of Cebu has placed its western coastal towns—including Toledo City, Pinamungajan, Aloguinsan, Barili, Dumanjug, and Ronda—on alert for possible secondary contamination.

“These areas share the same marine corridor and may experience secondary effects through current movement, depending on the extent and direction of water flow,” said Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro.

Although no contamination has been confirmed in Cebu waters, local governments have been urged to monitor seawater quality and discourage the collection or sale of dead fish.

Cause and Cleanup

URC operations manager Rachel Cawit told the Negros Oriental Provincial Board that the collapse was triggered by a series of earthquakes and heavy rainfall.

“Persistent rain from Oct. 24 to 26 caused the water level in the buffer lagoon to rise until the seaward wall gave way,” Cawit said.

She added that the wastewater consisted mainly of organic materials like yeast and molasses, with no metals or hazardous chemicals.

The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) for the Negros Island Region has issued a cease and desist order on the distillery’s operations pending cleanup and investigation. URC is now working with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and local governments to contain the spill and rehabilitate affected areas.

Environmental Damage

The spill has led to widespread seawater discoloration and fish kills across parts of the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape—one of the Philippines’ largest marine sanctuaries and a critical habitat for dolphins, coral reefs, and seagrass beds.

Officials estimate that around 1,000 hectares of coastal waters have been contaminated, posing long-term risks to biodiversity and local livelihoods. Images circulating online show the once-pristine Manjuyod Sandbar now stained with reddish-brown water.

Environmental groups have called for accountability, questioning the placement of a massive industrial lagoon so close to a protected marine area.

📷 Planet labs/Geospectrum