SAN FELIPE, Zambales – A non-governmental organization has called on authorities to thoroughly investigate Chinese dredging ships operating in Zambales waters.

The Zambales Ecological Network (ZEN) cited reports linking these dredging vessels to the illegal smuggling of Chinese workers into the Philippines, raising serious security, legal, and environmental concerns.

In a statement, ZEN said, “Further investigations have revealed these vessels are also being used for unlawful activities, including human trafficking.”

The group urged authorities to “hold accountable all parties involved in the illegal operations, from the dredging companies to any government officials who may be complicit in allowing these unlawful activities to continue unchecked.”

ZEN added, “We cannot allow foreign dredging operations to endanger our environment, our economy, and our national security.”

It emphasized, “These vessels are clearly operating with impunity. The government must act swiftly to stop these illegal activities and protect the people of Zambales.”

The NGO also highlighted how unregulated dredging operations have become a hotbed for illegal activities.

It cited reports of smuggling illegal workers and stated, “These Chinese dredging vessels raise concerns over other potential criminal activities. There are reports of unregulated cargo being transported in and out of the country under the guise of dredging operations. Local authorities have yet to determine the full extent of smuggling operations, but given the frequency and lack of oversight, there are fears that weapons, drugs, or other contraband may be entering the Philippines through these vessels.”

ZEN further noted, “The presence of military uniforms aboard one of the dredgers only deepens suspicions about the involvement of foreign nationals in activities that pose a threat to Philippine security. The use of Chinese-flagged vessels to conduct dredging operations in Zambales, particularly without proper monitoring, raises serious questions about the transparency and accountability of the involved companies, especially Shuaful Corporation, and their ties to China Harbor Corporation.”

📷 Zambales Ecological Network