The National Federation of Small Fisherfolk Organizations in the Philippines (Pamalakaya) expressed concern over a reported fish kill in Laguna de Bay on July 10. This was caused by the discharge of wastewater into the lake by Manila Water, a company owned by Enrique Razon, the group said.

Ronnel Arambulo, vice chairperson of Pamalakaya, urged the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) to immediately investigate the fish kill.

“We call on the LLDA to immediately investigate the fish kill. Factories and water concessionaires operating around the lake should also be investigated, as they are often primarily responsible for environmental degradation and ecological disruption. They must be held accountable if found guilty,” Arambulo said.

The LLDA confirmed that Manila Water discharged wastewater in Barangay Ithan, Binangonan, Rizal, which went directly into Laguna Lake. The agency stated that it has demanded an explanation from the company.

Manila Water’s excuse was that the water release was part of the flushing and disinfection process for the new pipes of its East Bay Transmission Mains Phase 2 project, which aims to prepare the pipeline to draw water from Laguna Lake as an alternative water source to Angat Dam. The company claimed the released water also came from the lake and contained no harmful chemicals or hazardous substances that would explain the reported foul odor.

According to the LLDA, its records show that Manila Water was late in requesting permission for the activity. It proceeded with the discharge operations without an evaluation or clearance from the LLDA.

The agency said it takes unauthorized activities within Laguna Lake seriously and has sent a Quick Response Team to inspect the area and collect water samples for laboratory testing to determine the environmental impact.

Meanwhile, Pamalakaya is coordinating with local fishers in Rizal to assess the impact of the fish kill on the livelihoods of fisherfolk and coastal residents.