Algae emits ‘sickening’ smell in Muntinlupa

MANILA, Philippines — Residents in some parts of Muntinlupa City have complained of difficulty in breathing, asthma attacks, stomach pains and nasal clogging reportedly due to decaying algae in Laguna Lake. 

The city health office said the foul smell could be attributed to the growing number of “liya” - a filamentous freshwater green algae present during warm weather - in the lake.

It serves as food for fish and gives off a stench.

Local officials, however, said the health problems of the residents were not directly linked to the spread of liya. 

Reports said the coastal waters in Barangay Bayanan have turned green due to dead moss and algae.