Molasses Spill Contaminates River, Affects 4 Binalbagan Villages

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – A molasses spill from the Binalbagan-Isabela Sugar Company (BISCOM) has affected four barangays in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.

The impacted villages are San Juan, Canmoros, Marina and Progreso, Mayor Alejandro Mirasol said in a media interview on Tuesday.

City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)-Kabankalan Supervising Environment Management Specialist Lucia Salazar said the spill occurred on April 19 due to extreme heat, with a heat index reaching 43°C.

The high temperature caused evaporation and overflow from a pond-type molasses stockpile, she added.

Salazar said only 2,400 tons remained from the original 4,890 tons of stored molasses, meaning more than half of it spilled.

Although BISCOM responded promptly to collect the molasses, it still reached the Binalbagan River, resulting in a fish kill in Barangay Canmoros, she said.

Sandbags were placed to contain the spill, and authorities advised the use of bioenzymes to neutralize the odor, she added.

Salazar explained that while molasses is an agricultural byproduct, excessive amounts can harm aquatic life.

Water samples have been sent to the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in Iloilo City for analysis, with results expected within the week.

She also said the Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB) will determine the company’s liability.

Lt. Junior Grade James Carbajosa, acting commander of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Southern Negros Occidental, said molasses is not as hazardous as oil but affirmed the company’s duty to clean up the affected river.

He said the PCG is also investigating the incident.

Mirasol confirmed that the spill has been contained and cleanup operations are ongoing.

He emphasized the town’s continued monitoring of the situation and its commitment to address potential health issues.

The local government expressed regret over the incident and apologized for the inconvenience.

“The health and safety of our residents and the preservation of our natural resources remain our top priorities,” Mirasol said.