Chinese dredger spotted off Bucao, Zambales

BAGUIO CITY — A Chinese dredger was reportedly spotted patrolling the waters off Bucao in Zambales on Friday, amid the ongoing significant public consultation by House leaders  in Masinloc town, asserting the country’s sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea.

The dredger, “HONG FA 158”, reportedly under a bareboat charter with Oromarine was identified as being operated by the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), a contractor for a reclamation project in Manila Bay, and has ties to the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). 

The CCCC has been implicated in the reclamation and construction of artificial islands in the contested waters off the WPS.

This sighting is a "slap in the face" and a "mockery of our sovereignty,” said Heidi Fernandez, executive director of the non-government Zambales Ecological Network (ZEN).  She said that the presence of the dredger is controversial given the suspension of sand dredging activities in Zambales following environmental complaints.

Former Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. previously recommended terminating contracts with Chinese firms sanctioned for their involvement in China's controversial island-building campaign in the South China Sea. Locsin's recommendation came after the United States sanctioned several Chinese companies for their role in the reclamation and militarization of the disputed waters.

Fernandez said that protecting the marine biodiversity and natural resources of Zambales is not only crucial for environmental sustainability but also for safeguarding the livelihoods of the fisherfolks who rely on these waters.

Ongoing disputes in the WPS directly impact their ability to fish and sustain their communities, making it imperative to address both ecological preservation and the economic well-being of local residents, the environmental group spokesperson added.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez has called for unity in supporting the rights of Filipino fisherfolk at Scarborough Shoal (Panatag Shoal). 

During a public consultation and joint hearing by the House committees on national defense and security and the WPS, Senior Deputy Speaker and Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr.  (Pampanga; 3rd District)