The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has filed a criminal complaint against URC Bais Distillery for an October molasses spill that harmed the environment and livelihoods in Negros Oriental. The incident contaminated over 400 hectares of the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape, caused fish deaths, and suspended tourism affecting 1,280 workers. Administrative charges against company executives are also under consideration.
On November 21, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources filed a complaint with the Bais City prosecutor's office for violations of the 2018 Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act. Charlie Fabre, DENR director for the Negros Island Region, stated on Monday, December 8, that administrative charges under the Clean Water Act are also being considered against URC Bais Distillery executives.
The spill, lasting three weeks, released 255,000 cubic meters of molasses wastewater after the plant's dikes were damaged. It contaminated more than 400 hectares of the 534,589-hectare Tañon Strait Protected Seascape, killed fish in shallow waters, and halted tourism activities in Manjuyod town and Bais City. This impacted around 1,280 workers, including tour guides, boatmen, and hotel staff.
The DENR's Pollution Adjudication Board will deliberate on December 18 regarding the cease-and-desist order issued on October 27. Fines for such violations range from P200,000 to P1 million. Fabre noted that URC must pay P182 million for fisheries damages and contribute to recovery efforts.
Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez, acting director of the Department of Tourism for the region, said they collaborated with the Department of Labor and Employment and Department of Social Welfare and Development to provide food packs and cash aid to affected workers. Vicente Losbañes, director of the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau, added that cleanup operations in the Tañon Strait will continue until full restoration. If the order is lifted, URC will be required to reduce its wastewater lagoon capacity to prevent future incidents.