Public warned of possible toxic chemical leaks into Quezon river

ENRO and City Health Office conducts an investigation regarding the chemical content in Isabang River on November 3 and November 4, 2024. | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of Tayabas City Environment and Natural Resources Office

LUCENA CITY — Authorities in Tayabas City warned the public of health threats caused by possible chemical leaks after fire hit a warehouse on Sunday, Nov. 3.

“Public is advised to avoid washing clothes or allowing animals to drink from the Isabang River to prevent poisoning,” the Tayabas City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) warned in a post on its Facebook on Monday, Nov. 4.

The police reported that fire of still unknown origin burned down the storage warehouse of Sunrise Dragon Jade Agri Corporation located in Barangay Calumpang on Sunday around 3:30 a.m.

The blaze was put off by local firemen an hour later.

According to ENRO, the warehouse stored animal feeds, pesticides, and fertilizers.

“Due to heavy rain last night (Nov. 4), chemicals from the warehouse have flowed into the waters of Isabang River,” the ENRO said.

The office said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau would collect water samples to identify the chemical content that flowed into the river.

The company management is taking measures to prevent further chemical leaks from reaching the river, the ENRO said.