BBM Orders Probe into China Dredging, Reclamation Projects

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.

- By ALEXIS ROMERO

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.