Molasses spill from BISCOM affects four barangays in Negros Occidental

A molasses spill from a sugar mill in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, has affected four barangays: San Juan, Canmoros, Marina, and Progreso.

The rupture of the containment pond occurred on April 19 due to intense heat causing evaporation of the molasses stockpile at Binalbagan-Isabela Sugar Company (BISCOM), releasing an estimated 2,400 tons into the river.

By Tuesday, April 22, the Philippine Coast Guard reported full containment and City Environment and Natural Resources Office Supervisor Lucia Salazar said that sandbags were placed to contain the spill and bio enzymes are recommended for odor reduction.

On Wednesday, April 23, EMB-Western Visayas Director Ramar Neil Pascua ordered BISCOM to stop discharging liquid waste into community canals for seven days as a result of the pollution incident.

BISCOM has taken responsibility for the spill and apologized to affected residents while cleanup efforts continue; the company could face penalties ranging from P25,937.42 to P500,478.49 under Section 27(A) of the Clean Water Act.

On Thursday, April 24, EMB-Western Visayas issued an interim cease and desist order (CDO) on BISCOM, directing them to stop discharging molasses into their perimeter canal for seven days due to the ongoing threat to public health and welfare.

Despite measures taken by BISCOM, portions of molasses were still observed flowing into storm drains, prompting EMB-Western Visayas to cite Section 8, Rule V of PAB Resolution 2021-04, which allows immediate action where there is a clear risk to life or environmental harm.