The Save Laguna Lake Movement (SLLM) joined the call that immediate help and support be given to fire victims residing in Barangay San Antonio, San Pedro, Laguna following the loss of their livelihoods. The fire in the barangay at midnight on January 25 lasted for several hours and razed homes and some warehouses in the area.

Due to the fire, oil stored in warehouses within the Kengian Complex leaked into the San Isidro River. Government agencies tried to contain the leak before oil reached Laguna Lake which would damage the lake’s ecosystem. In three days, more than 17,600 liters of oil have been cleaned but the oil spill still affected the community.

“The owner of the warehouse at the Kengian Complex should be held accountable for the fire that damaged houses and the environment. They should pay damages to fire victims and cooperate in efforts to clean up the river and lake,” said the SLLM.

The group said that this incident proves the need to escalate efforts to clean up and protect Laguna Lake. “A big reason why the pollution in the lake is so severe is from the industrial run-off and other waste created by the industrial and commercial areas surrounding the lake,” he said.

During such disasters, the SLLM said that ordinary people, fisherfolk and residents are the most affected. “The SLLM calls for further restrictions on the policies that protect Laguna Lake. This includes programs for conservation and rehabilitation and support of small fisherfolk against the interests of foreign businesses and large corporations,” the group said.