The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has imposed fines and sanctions against the Chinese dredgers that allegedly conducted “illegal activities” in Manila Bay and rivers in Zambales, a government official said.
In a text message to the BusinessMirror, Marina National Capital Region Director Marc Anthony Pascua said the agency has conducted an investigation into the report submitted by the National Coast Watch Center (NCWC) and has taken action against the alleged perpetrators.
“Those vessels were already investigated by the Marina. We have already issued show-cause orders, and they were accordingly penalized. Further, these vessels have already settled their penalties,” he said.
The NCWC earlier flagged Chinese vessels that allegedly conducted dredging and transport of reclamation sand to reclamation areas in 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 Marina.
NCWC is an inter-agency 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.
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.
“The Marina would also like to reiterate that vessels whose Special Permits have been revoked and have paid the corresponding penalties may nonetheless apply for another permit so long as they are going to comply with the requirements of the relevant Marina Circular,” Pascua said.
