Palace wonders if Chinese dredger given permission, used for black sand ops

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / JOAN BONDOC

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang is wondering if the Chinese dredger seized in Bataan province was given permission to operate by local government units for supposed black sand operations.

While this will be processed according to the country’s laws, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque surmised that these Chinese dredging vessels would not come here if they are not being used for whatever purpose.

“Mga kababayan, ang tanong, saan ginagamit itong mga dredging vessels na ito? Baka naman yan ay ginagamit dito sa ilang mga lugar sa Pilipinas na may pagpayag ng lokal na pamahalaan?” Roque said in an online Palace briefing.

(My fellowmen, the question is, what are these dredging vessels used for? Perhaps it is being used with the approval of local government units?)

“Ano ang ginagawa po niyang dredging vessel na yan sa malapit sa Orion? Malapit po yan sa lugar na alam natin kinukuhanan ng black sand sa Zambales. Nais ko malaman, ginagamit ba ito para sa black sand operation dyan sa mga karatig ng Bataan at sinong nagbibigay permiso dito?”

(What is this dredging vessel doing near Orion? This is near Zambales where black sand is taken. I want to know, is this used for black sand operation in places near Bataan and who gave permission?)

“Ibig sabihin po, hindi po yan pupunta dito kung walang gumagamit nyan at ang nais kong malaman, sana mabigyang kasagutan ng DENR, ginagamit ba itong mga Chinese dredging vessels na ito para kunin yung tanging yaman ng Pilipinas at ipadala sa ibang bansa?” he went on.

(It means, it won’t go here if it’s not being used. I want to know, and I hope the DENR [Department of Environment and Natural REsrouces] will answer, are these Chinese dredging vessels used to get the Philippines’ natural resources to be brought in other countries?)

The Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Customs seized a Chinese dredger off the coast of Orion Point, Bataan for its illegal presence in the country’s waters.

It was issued a departure clearance in Aparri, Cagayan over a year ago hence its presence in Bataan was illegal and unauthorized.

JPV