Camille Naredo

Oil pollution at Sampalok Lake in Laguna. Handout/San Pablo City Information Office

Oil pollution at Sampalok Lake in Laguna.

Article (news)

San Pablo

Dennis Datu

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770105629505viber_image_2026-02-03_15-35-30-285.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Oil pollution at Sampalok Lake in Laguna. Handout/San Pablo City Information Office" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Oil pollution at Sampalok Lake in Laguna. <em>Handout/San Pablo City Information Office</em></span></span></span></div><p>LAGUNA — The local government of San Pablo City has launched an investigation into reports of oil pollution at Sampalok Lake, one of the city’s renowned Seven Lakes.</p><p>Mayor Najie Gapangada ordered the probe after a video circulated on social media showing oil slick on the lake’s surface, allegedly coming from a pipe near Barangay V-A.</p><p>A joint inspection was promptly conducted by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), City Solid Waste Management Office (CSWMO), and City Health Office (CHO) to determine the source of the contamination.</p><p>According to the  report from City Information Office, Barangay Kagawad Celerino Flores of Barangay V-A said an old pipeline connected to several households may be linked to the oil leakage.</p><p>During the inspection, traces of oil were observed seeping from a restaurant along the lakeshore. However, the restaurant management claims it does not dispose of used cooking oil into the lake and sells them to a recycling facility instead. </p><p>Inspectors, however, noted the absence of a functioning grease trap in the kitchen, prompting the City Health Office to issue a warning for non-compliance with the Sanitation Code of the Philippines. </p><p>Further inspection in the portion of the lake within Barangay IV-C revealed the presence of fats, oils, and grease (FOG), as well as soapy wastewater flowing directly into Sampalok Lake from nearby households. The joint inspection team also observed the lack of an operational drainage canal in the area.</p><p>CENRO recommended the construction of an open drainage canal and the installation of a proper wastewater treatment system to prevent further pollution.</p><p>In a preliminary report, the CSWMO said the oily substance may have been improperly discarded by a resident or vendor near the lake and may not have originated from the nearby drainage pipe.</p><p>Authorities warned residents and business establishments to strictly comply with proper waste and wastewater disposal practices.</p><p>The inspection team also recommended closing outlets that discharge untreated wastewater into the lake, conducting regular drainage canal cleanups, and strengthening monitoring by barangay officials around Sampalok Lake.</p><p>Daily shoreline clean-up drives led by the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMC) were likewise encouraged, alongside continuous monitoring by the CSWMO and other local offices, in line with the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004, to ensure the cleanliness and protection of the lake.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/01/04/21/tone-toneladang-isda-namatay-sa-sampaloc-lake-dahil-sa-overturn">Tone-toneladang isda namatay sa Sampaloc Lake dahil sa &#x27;overturn&#x27;</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BUwk6UXyjP8?si=qJk5qt2ht_4q3n3m" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>The local government of San Pablo City has launched an investigation into reports of oil pollution at Sampalok Lake, one of the city’s renowned Seven Lakes.</p>

The local government of San Pablo City has launched an investigation into reports of oil pollution at Sampalok Lake, one of the city’s renowned Seven Lakes.

Investigation launched over oil pollution at Sampalok lake in San Pablo City

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Regions

Investigation launched over oil pollution at Sampalok lake in San Pablo City

Dennis Datu,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 03, 2026 04:01 PM PHT

|

Updated February 03, 2026 04:15 PM PHT

Read More:

SAMPALOK LAKE

OIL POLLUTION

SAN PABLO CITY

LAGUNA

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.