Molasses that spilled from the storage tank of the Sagay Sugar Central to the Danao River in Escalante City on April 7, was estimated to be between 400 to 500 metric tons, police said.

Inspector Mateo Maguate, Escalante police chief, however, said there is no cause for alarm since molasses are nutrients and will easily dilute when mixed with water, citing reports of the Philippine Coast Guard.

Molasses stored at the Sagay Sugar Central depot in Brgy. Old Poblacion, Escalante, reportedly caved in, causing the spill. Escalante Mayor Santiago Barcelona maintained that the molasses spill was minimal, and is not expected to damage the environment.

In his report to Senior Supt. Rosendo Franco, provincial police director, Maguate said City Disaster Coordinating Council, assisted by the Philippine Coast Guard and the Department of Ennvironment and Natural Resources, has already conducted an ocular inspection at the site.

He added that DENR also conducted a water sampling at the Danao River and made a survey on fishponds near the affected area. Maguate also said that the management of the Sagay Sugar Central is willing to undertake payment if need arises.*GPB.

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