Marcos orders probe on dumping of PH sand in WPS reclamation sites

President Marcos has ordered an investigation on the report that sand from the Philippines’ coastal areas are used for some reclamation operations in the West Philippine Sea.

- BY BETHEENA UNITE

Marcos said a thorough and in-depth investigation must be conducted to determine what step the government needs to take next over the report of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA).

“After receiving information regarding this matter, the President ordered a thorough investigation, which is currently ongoing,” Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said on Wednesday, May 7. “Once a final investigation or conclusion has been reached, immediate action will be taken based on the results of the investigation.”

During a Senate hearing, NICA disclosed that the sand used in some reclamation operations in the West Philippine Sea are allegedly from the country’s coastal areas.

Asked if local government officials would also be held accountable for allowing it to happen, Castro said it would depend on the result of the investigation.