Makabayan bloc seeks probe on illegal Chinese dredging ships

The House of Representatives' Makabayan bloc filed a resolution seeking an investigation on the proliferation of Chinese dredging ships illegally operating in Philippine waters.

House Resolution 1528, filed on February 1, directs the House Committee on Natural Resources to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the matter.

Earlier, the Bureau of Customs issued a warrant of seizure and detention against the MV Zhonhai 68, a Chinese vessel that was found illegally docked at the Manila Bay two years after it was spotted dredging off Zambales.

The vessel was reported to have conducted dredging operations in Masinloc in 2019 before sailing on to Aparri. However, it illegally entered Manila Bay even without the necessary permits from the Philippine Coast Guard.

According to the resolution, illegal Chinese dredging ships operating in different parts of the country continued to cause environmental destruction and adverse effects on the people and the environment.

It also said the proliferation of the illegal dredging activities was part of the “worsening Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea, which disrespects the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

“It is the duty of the State and all its instrumentalities to protect the country and its people from external threats such as these illegal foreign operations,” the resolution read.

“It is the duty of Congress to ensure that the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are intact, local and international laws be honored and recognized, and more importantly, the safe and economic rights of the people are protected and ensured.”

Last week, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said the Philippines filed a diplomatic protest against China over its law that authorizes its coast guard to shoot foreign vessels in areas it claims in the disputed South China Sea.

Taiwan last also expelled some 4,000 Chinese vessels illegally dredging sand from its waters in 2020, reflecting a more than six-fold increase from the year before. — DVM, GMA News