BACOLOD CITY — The Coast Guard Station in Northern Negros Occidental (CGS-NNOC) is investigating a suspected molasses spill from MT Mary Queen of Charity that caused the discoloration of waters along the feeder port in Sagay City, Negros Occidental on Wednesday.

Commander Jansen Benjamin, chief of CGS-NNOC, said that there was a report about the molasses leak at around 9 a.m. after dock workers noticed the discoloration of water surrounding the sea vessel.

Benjamin said an estimated 300 metric tons of molasses have been loaded into the motor tanker.

Immediately, the vessel master was instructed to discontinue the loading operations, he said.

As part of the response, the CGS-NNOC said it is coordinating with the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) of Sagay City to monitor the waters in the area.

Sagay City Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr., in a statement on Wednesday, said ENRO and the Philippine Coast Guard are investigating the incident.

"All immediate actions are being done to minimize the damage of the molasses spill," Javelosa said.

The ENRO's marine environment unit also confirmed that there was a report about the molasses leak at around 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

Molasses is a thick, heavy syrup that is a by-product of the sugar-making process. It is not considered a pollutant or a toxin but could be harmful to marine life, according to reports that quoted marine experts.

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