THE National Coast Watch Center (NCWC) has flagged alleged “illegal” activities of Chinese dredgers on Manila Bay and rivers in Zambales.
In a report submitted to the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), the NCWC said Chinese vessels allegedly conducted dredging of reclamation sand and transported it to the reclamation areas on Manila Bay.
The report listed “suspicious activities of the Chinese dredgers that were found to be operating outside their approved areas of operation as against the issued special permit” from the Marina.
NCWC also noted that Chinese dredgers were allegedly “operating without a dredging clearance” from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), “had no Environmental Compliance Certificate” from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB), “had no memorandum of agreement” between the DENR and the dredging company, “had no accreditation” from the DENR-MGB, “had no ore transport permit” from the DENR-MGB, and “had no” Notice To Proceed for their operations.
The NCWC also asserted that the Chinese dredgers allegedly failed to secure a “No Objection Clearance” from the Office of the National Security Adviser. It also flagged the said dredgers of “operating with false Automatic Identification System (AIS),” which essentially allows the authorities to properly monitor and record their exact movements inside Philippine territorial waters.
Allegedly, they turned off their AIS during operation and while berthed, according to the NCWC.
Following the report, Marina is now conducting an investigation and may revoke the special permits issued to the Chinese vessels and may also impose sanctions and penalties against them.
NCWC is an interagency maritime surveillance and coordinated unit led by the Philippine Coast Guard. It is attached under the Office of the President through the Office of the Executive Secretary.
