Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, the deputy minority leader of the House of Representatives, on Saturday said he would seek an inquiry into Chinese dredging operations in the country following the seizure of a China-owned dredger off Bataan and Bulacan provinces earlier this week. The 2,340-ton MV Zhonhai 68 dredging vessel, which was supposed to have left the country more than a year ago, was back in Philippine waters illegally, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The same ship was found in the company of two other Chinese dredging vessels off Masinloc, Zambales province, in early 2019, said Bayan Muna Chair Neri Colmenares, who showed a 48-second video of the three ships he had personally taken.

Aurelio, J. M. (2021, January 31). Chinese dredger a report offender? House probe sought. Philippine Daily Inquirer, pp. A1, A2.