MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has ordered a probe into China’s dredging activities in the wake of reports that sand gathered from various Philippine towns was used for its reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea.
National Intelligence Coordinating Agency deputy director general Ashley Acedillo told a Senate hearing on Monday that China’s activities in various parts of the Philippines are being monitored, including its dredging activities.
According to him, there are reports that sand was gathered from coastal areas of different municipalities and was used to carry out reclamation in disputed areas.
“After receiving that information, the President ordered a thorough investigation. The investigation is ongoing and once a conclusion is reached, directives will be issued immediately,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a Palace press briefing yesterday.
Castro said the probe ordered by the President would also determine whether local governments are liable for the reported gathering of sand by the Chinese.
Meanwhile, the Makabayan bloc of the House of Representatives has filed a bill calling for an urgent investigation on the alleged massive destruction of the ecosystem in Cagayan river due to the dredging activities of a Chinese-led operation.
House Resolution 2278, authored by Reps. Arlene Brosas of women’s group Gabriela, France Castro of ACT Teachers and Raoul Manuel of Kabataan party-list, urges the appropriate House panel to conduct a probe on the widespread ecological damage in coastal towns, particularly Aparri.
The resolution points to the so-called “Cagayan River Restoration Project,” launched in 2021 as a central case. The militant legislators accused the Chinese firms of engaging in “environmentally destructive and exploitative activities.”
“Daily earnings reportedly dropped from P7,000-P9,000 to as low as P900,” the resolution stated, underscoring the severe economic losses faced by small fisherfolk in Cagayan River, which have severely disrupted local livelihoods and marine ecosystems.
“While the dredging was suspended in 2023, its ecological aftermath continues to cripple the livelihoods of coastal communities, with no substantial rehabilitation or compensation provided to date,” the resolution stated further.
The resolution also connects the Cagayan project to a broader pattern of environmentally harmful ventures involving Chinese firms across the Philippines. It calls for legislative action to prevent “further exploitation by foreign corporate interests operating with impunity.”
“There is an urgent need to uphold national patrimony over our natural resources and prevent further exploitation by foreign corporate interests operating with impunity,” the lawmakers stressed.
Local watchdogs and fisherfolk organizations, including Pamalakaya, have warned that the operations served more as a front for black sand (magnetite) extraction than genuine river rehabilitation.
These concerns were reportedly ignored during the project’s approval, despite strong opposition from affected communities.
The resolution seeks a full congressional inquiry in aid of legislation, aiming to ensure accountability and protection for coastal communities facing long-term ecological and economic damage.
As concerns mount over Chinese spying activities, Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez supported the plan of Sen. Francis Tolentino to file treason and espionage charges against officers and directors of Makati-based PR firm InfinitUs Marketing Solutions contracted by China supposedly to peddle disinformation, putting the Philippines in a bad light.
“Filipinos contracted by China to work against our national interest have betrayed their country, and that is treason,” Rodriguez said in a statement.
Sen. JV Ejercito expressed alarm at the Senate findings pointing to a Chinese spy network in the Philippines.
“Surveys say Filipinos are enraged by China’s actions in the South China Sea, but some Filipinos are duped by the troll army into believing their narrative that if you are anti-China, you are pro-war,” Ejercito said. – Delon Porcalla, Jose Rodel Clapano, Marc Jayson Cayabyab
