Manila, Nov. 6 -- Field surveys and drone-based mapping conducted by the SiIliman University (SU) have shown that between 4,494 and 6,000 hectares of marine and coastal waters have been contaminated from a wastewater spill in Bais Bay.

Initial findings from the Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 survey that were issued on Tuesday said localized fish kills were also recorded up to 7 kilometers from the source of the spill of untreated molasses wastewater into the Tanon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS), which was the result of the collapse of Universal Robina Corporation's wastewater lagoon.

It added that in nearby Manjuyod town, fish pen and seaweed farm operators reported losses ranging from PHP1,000 to PHP1.8 million per operator, reflecting the massiv...