ILOILO — The discovery of methane gas in a newly drilled deep well in Dueñas, Iloilo has prompted government authorities to issue a public safety warning and launch further investigations, with environmental officials noting that it is the second documented case of a flammable gas emission from a water source in the municipality in just over two years.
The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 6 confirmed that initial testing detected methane gas in a deep well in Barangay Fundacion, where residents observed that gas escaping from the well could produce flame when exposed to an ignition source. The finding has raised concerns over possible underground geological conditions and potential fire hazards in the area.
“Initial field measurements detected methane (CH) at approximately 10 percent by volume. Methane is a naturally occurring gas that may be generated through the decomposition of organic matter in subsurface environments or may originate from deeper geological formations,” EMB-6 said.
The well, reportedly drilled to a depth of around 150 feet, was intended to serve as a water source for agricultural irrigation. However, the project drew public attention after residents discovered that gas emanating from the well could ignite when exposed to fire.
During a site assessment, EMB personnel used a portable gas analyzer to determine the presence of gases being released from the well and confirmed the presence of methane.
What makes the latest incident significant, according to EMB-6, is that it is not the first occurrence of its kind in Dueñas. The agency recalled that in March 2024 it conducted an investigation in Barangay Tinocuan after reports surfaced that a newly drilled water source emitted gas capable of producing sustained flames when ignited. The earlier investigation also documented gas emissions and led to recommendations aimed at preventing fire hazards.
“While similarities have been observed between the two incidents, further technical evaluation is necessary to determine whether they have a common geological origin,” EMB-6 said.
The agency stressed that the source and complete composition of the gas detected in Barangay Fundacion have yet to be fully established.
“At this stage, the source and complete composition of the gas in Barangay Fundacion have not yet been fully established,” the bureau said. “Additional field investigations and coordination with relevant government agencies may be undertaken to determine the origin of the methane and assess any potential environmental and public safety implications.”
As a precaution, EMB-6 advised residents and property owners to avoid smoking, lighting fires, or carrying out activities that may generate sparks near the well.
People have also been urged to restrict access to the area pending further assessment.
“The public is likewise encouraged to restrict access to the area until further assessment has been completed,” the bureau said.
EMB-6 said it is coordinating with the Department of Energy, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Bureau of Fire Protection, the local government of Dueñas, and other concerned agencies to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the situation.
The bureau assured the public that monitoring and investigations will continue as authorities seek to determine the origin and implications of the methane emissions./PN
