A viral video showing murky, sludge-like water flowing across a white sand beach and into the sea in El Nido, Palawan has been confirmed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as LGU drainage outflow, with the agency now building cases against violators in coordination with the Department of Justice.
DENR Assistant Secretary Norlito Eneran made the disclosure in an interview on DZRH News program “Special on Saturday” on June 6, saying the black water originated from a drainage system under a hotel resort that the LGU had repeatedly been instructed to connect to a Sewage Treatment Plant.
The video, first caught on camera by a hotel guest on May 20, had drawn widespread attention after it was aired on television and circulated on social media.
“Marami na tayong mga instruction sa LGU na i-connect ‘yung drainage na ito doon sa STP o Sewage Treatment Plant para po hindi na dumaloy doon sa ating beach front at sa ating dagat,” Eneran said.
He said DENR has identified 700 structures in El Nido that are non-compliant with wastewater discharge requirements under the Philippine Clean Water Act, including residential areas where septic tanks seep directly into the ground without proper treatment.
Eneran said he personally traveled to Puerto Princesa the day before the interview to coordinate with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Prosecutor’s Office on case buildup against non-compliant establishments.
When asked whether the LGU itself faces liability for the drainage failure, Eneran said DENR is looking at all sectors—including government agencies—and that criminal, civil, and administrative liability under the law applies to anyone found in violation, without exception.
“Hindi excluded dito ‘yung ating mga government agencies,” Eneran said.
