The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has assured the safety and well-being of diplomatic missions in the Philippines after the US Embassy in Manila expressed concern on the hazards and security risk posed by reclamation activities in Manila Bay.
Ma. Teresita Daza, DFA spokesperson, said DFA is aware of the concerns raised by the US embassy, which is headquartered in the vicinity of Manila Bay, as well as "the risk of further exacerbating the coastal erosion and flooding in the area."
"We note that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is already preparing to undertake a cumulative impact assessment to determine the impact of the projects on the ecology and safety of the surrounding areas," she said.
"We are also aware that the DENR is looking into the compliance of the projects with the conditions of their permits, as well as with existing environmental laws and regulations," she added.
On Wednesday, August 2, the US embassy raised alarm not only on the environmental and commercial impact of the reclamation activities but also on the company that the projects may have ties with.
Kanishka Gangopadhyay, the embassy's spokesman, said the projects may be connected to a Chinese communications company "which has been added to the US Department of Commerce's Entity List for its role in helping the Chinese military construct and militarize artificial islands in the South China Sea."
"The company has also been cited by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank for engaging in fraudulent business practices," Gangopadhyay added.
In response, the DFA said it "is fully committed to working with relevant government agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of diplomatic missions accredited to the Philippines."