DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov. 20 -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Negros Oriental has allowed the resumption of motorboat trips to and from the White Sandbar in Manjuyod town, an official said Thursday.

Lt. Marionne Abigail Enopia, commander of the Coast Guard Station Negros Oriental, told the Philippine News Agency in an interview that they lifted the ban late Wednesday afternoon after Manjuyod Mayor Raffy Andaya ordered the reopening of the White Sandbar.

"Motorboats carrying tourists and other passengers are now permitted to sail to and from the Sandbar, as it is now deemed safe after almost three weeks of closure due to the wastewater spillage," Enopia said.

Andaya shut down the tourist destination in his town, famed for its dolphin-w...