MASINLOC, ZAMBALES--Mayor Arsenia Jalata Lim on Friday said she had previously alerted the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) regarding the presence of suspicious dredging ships anchored on the town's coastline.
Masinloc Zambales Mayor Arsenia Jalata - Lim
Lim issued the statement after local police and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) apprehended on Wednesday seven Chinese workers who were reportedly part of an illegal dredging project here.
They were apprehended inside two dredging boats and were later turned over to BI.
Lim said she had written the PCG and PPA as early as March 14, asking the two agencies to investigate the dredging ships found along the municipal shoreline.
According to Lim, the PPA replied and told her that the dredging ships have submitted necessary documents and have been given permits by the Philippines' Maritime Industry Authority or Marina.
The mayor said the PCG also responded by telling her that they have inspected the ships and confirmed these were dredging vessels.
Lim said she was informed that the vessels will not carry out dredging activities in this town but were only moored here while waiting for other documents.
She said she will not allow destruct and illegal dredging operations in Masinloc since seaweed production is one of the main sources of livelihood in the town.
Lim also said they have been protecting the sea from destructive fishing and other activities since they have four fish sanctuaries in the municipal water and the town is known for its giant clamps.
"Mga kababayan, ang LGU (local government unit) ng Masinloc ay laging alerto at laging umaaksyon sa anumang kaganapan sa bayan ng Masinloc at kailaman ay hindi nagpapabaya sa kanilang responsibilidad sa taong bayan," the mayor said in the statement.
She said an investigation into the incident is already underway.
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