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Gov to investigate alleged West PH dumping by Chinese ships

Pauline Palacio
Aug 21, 2021
2 min read

Updated: Sep 22, 2021

SPOTTED SHIPS. The government will look into a report allegedly showing the dumping of human waste by Chinese ships in the Spratly Islands, the Department of Defense said. ©Tapia

The government will investigate a report allegedly showing the dumping of human waste in the Spratly Islands by Chinese vessels, the Department of National Defense said July 13, 2021.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement he has officiated authorities to verify and investigate the report which allegedly showed Beijing ships dumping human waste which can cause long-term marine life damage.

Additionally, Senator Leila De Lima urged for a senate investigation by filing Senate Resolution 778, stating the Senate must determine the extent of the damage caused by the dumping of waste in Philippine waters "to protect our marine resources within our territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone”.

"This unregulated dumping of waste in our waters constitutes a direct affront to our sovereignty and an attack on our territory. If our government fails or refuses to act, it will prejudice the interests of our country, now and for future generations," De Lima said.

Meanwhile, Lorenzana said that while they are confirming and verifying these wastes being dumped in the West Phillippine Sea, they consider such irresponsible acts, if true, to be gravely detrimental to the marine ecology in the area.

The Environment Department also said that it will coordinate with the DND and Coast Guard to authenticate the report and verify if the said vessels were truly involved in the matter; if proven, it was reported they will “seek the attention” of the Chinese authorities.

Numerous lawmakers, including Senators Ralph Recto, Risa Hontiveros, and Francis Tolentino also prompted the Duterte administration to have a more proactive role in this matter.