For months, residents of four villages in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, have been living with a river they say smells foul and looks murky. The stench from the Binalbagan River has become so persistent that it has drawn complaints from fishermen and families who rely on the waterway, with some pointing fingers at a local sugar company. The situation escalated in April 2025 when a molasses spill from a sugar mill affected the same four barangays, adding a new layer of urgency to long-standing grievances.
These figures frame a dispute that involves not just a single industrial accident but a decade of unresolved complaints, competing explanations, and a community that feels unheard. Understanding what happened, who is responsible, and what the next steps are requires looking at the evidence from multiple angles.
What residents say about the river and its impact
The core of the residents’ complaint is straightforward: they believe the Binalbagan-Isabela Sugar Company (BISCOM) has been releasing wastewater into the river. Bayona, speaking on behalf of Barangay Canmuros, told Rappler that the stench has affected the villages of Marina, San Juan, Progreso, and Canmuros. He also appealed directly to Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, expressing worry about the river’s biodiversity. The situation is not new — residents say they have been raising concerns about river pollution for at least a decade, but their pleas, according to Bayona, “fell on deaf ears.”
The company’s response and alternative explanations
BISCOM has firmly denied the allegations. In a statement, the company asserted that it is “fully compliant” with all government rules and that it secured permits from the DENR and other agencies “before the start of our operation.” The company also assured the public that it is “discharging zero waste to the water.” Instead, BISCOM pointed to other possible sources of pollution, including poultry and swine farms located near the river.
Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) Kenny Zamora offered another factor: the El Niño phenomenon. He explained that the dry conditions reduced water flow upstream, preventing a fresh current from reaching the ocean and allowing pollutants to concentrate. This explanation does not rule out industrial discharge, but it complicates the picture by introducing a natural variable that may have worsened an existing problem.
The Kabankalan City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) tested the river’s water last year, but residents say they are still waiting for the results. This delay has fueled frustration and criticism of the MENRO for failing to act promptly on complaints.
The April 2025 molasses spill: a separate but related incident
On April 19, 2025, a different kind of event brought renewed attention to the river. Intense heat reaching 43°C caused molasses stored in a pond-type stockpile at BISCOM to evaporate and then spill. According to CENRO-Kabankalan Supervising Environment Management Specialist Lucia Salazar, about 4,890 tons of molasses were in the stockpile, but only 2,400 tons remained after the spill — meaning roughly 2,490 tons were lost. The company collected the spilled molasses but failed to prevent it from reaching the river.
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| Factor | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Molasses lost | ~2,490 tons evaporated or spilled | Confirmed by CENRO |
| Fish kill | Reported in Barangay Canmoros | Confirmed by CENRO |
| Containment | Sandbags placed; bio enzymes advised | Ongoing cleanup |
| Water samples | Sent to EMB in Iloilo City | Awaiting lab results |
Salazar noted that while molasses is a waste agricultural product, too much of it can be harmful. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) assessed that molasses is not as hazardous to the marine environment as oil, but Lt. Junior Grade James Carbajosa emphasized that the company has the responsibility to ensure the total cleanup of the river. The Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB) will decide on any penalty to be imposed on BISCOM, and the company may face sanctions depending on the assessment of the Environment Management Bureau (EMB).
Mayor Alejandro Mirasol said the spill has been contained and cleanup is ongoing. The local government apologized for the inconvenience and assured affected residents that if health issues arise, they will be accommodated at the town infirmary.
What residents and authorities can do next
For those living near the Binalbagan River, the situation involves both immediate health concerns and longer-term accountability. Here are the practical steps that have been taken or are still needed.
Awaiting laboratory results from water samples
CENRO collected water samples from the river after the molasses spill and sent them to the EMB in Iloilo City for testing. These results will be critical in determining the extent of contamination and whether BISCOM or other parties are responsible. Residents and local officials are waiting for these findings before further action can be taken.
Monitoring health and reporting symptoms
The local government has offered to accommodate affected residents at the town infirmary if health issues arise. Anyone experiencing respiratory problems or other symptoms linked to the river should report to the barangay health center or the municipal health office. Documenting cases can strengthen the case for intervention.
Engaging the Pollution Adjudication Board
The PAB has the authority to impose penalties on BISCOM if the investigation finds violations. Residents can submit formal complaints to the PAB through the DENR regional office, providing evidence such as photographs, videos, and witness accounts. This process is separate from the ongoing cleanup and can lead to fines or operational restrictions.
Understanding the role of the Philippine Coast Guard
The PCG has investigated the molasses spill and confirmed that the company is responsible for cleanup. Residents can report any new spills or ongoing pollution to the PCG-Southern Negros Occidental station. The PCG’s assessment that molasses is less hazardous than oil does not reduce the company’s obligation to restore the river.
Frequently asked questions about the Binalbagan River situation
Is the river safe for fishing right now? ▾
What is the difference between the ongoing odor issue and the molasses spill? ▾
Has BISCOM been fined or penalized yet? ▾
Can residents file a case directly against the company? ▾
What role does El Niño play in this situation? ▾
The Binalbagan River situation is not a single event but a layered problem involving industrial operations, environmental conditions, and a community that has been waiting for answers for years. The molasses spill in April 2025 brought the issue into sharper focus, but the underlying concerns about water quality and accountability remain unresolved. For residents, the next meaningful step is the release of the water test results from the EMB, which will determine whether the river is safe and who may be held responsible. If this was useful, you might also want to read how Philippine pollution policies are enforced.
Sources
Philippines plastic pollution: a national emergency — Explores how plastic waste compounds water pollution issues across the country.
The plastic sea: marine pollution in the Philippines — Examines the broader impact of pollution on marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
Negros Occidental townsfolk alarmed by Binalbagan River stench, seek probe. Rappler, 2025.
Molasses spill hits 4 Negros Occidental villages. Manila Bulletin, 2025.
