Painted rocks at Murcia Resort may harm water quality

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BACOLOD CITY—The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Negros Occidental has ordered the immediate removal of painted rocks found in the riverbed of Purok Gayas, Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia, following concerns that the paint could pose a threat to water quality.

The colorful rocks, part of a resort attraction in Murcia, gained widespread attention after a viral social media post.

This prompted the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to conduct an investigation through PENRO Negros Occidental, in coordination with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Bago City.

PENRO Officer Joan Nathaniel F. Gerangaya emphasized the potential environmental impact of the painted rocks. “Painting on natural rocks could potentially threaten the water quality of the river,” Gerangaya explained.

He added that painting rocks in flowing bodies of water, such as rivers, could affect both freshwater and marine ecosystems, depending on the type of paint used.

The environmental officials concluded that the act of painting boulders and rocks constitutes vandalism and is in violation of the Clean Water Act (Republic Act 9275).

The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) conducted an on-site investigation as of September 25, 2024, and is currently enforcing relevant legal provisions to protect the area.

PENRO Gerangaya ordered that the paint be removed using eco-friendly methods, such as manual scrubbing or pressure washing, to prevent further contamination of the water.

“We all want to enjoy our environment and its natural beauty, not the painted one. Attracting tourists for potential economic growth should not be an excuse for any resort owner or businessman to vandalize and damage our natural resources,” said DENR Region 6 OIC-Regional Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla.

Officials noted that the incident may have been inspired by a similar case of painted rocks at Lusaran Dam in Cebu City, which went viral earlier this year.

Both cases have drawn attention to the delicate balance between tourism promotion and environmental protection.

As part of its response, the DENR also informed the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) of the situation, reinforcing that all bodies of water, including rivers, are public property under the Water Code of the Philippines (Presidential Decree 1067).

PENRO and the DENR are currently considering sanctions for those involved in the incident. (DENR-6)