House Deputy Minority Leader Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima says Malacañang should launch an investigation into the China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC)-led dredging in Zambales, which locals say is causing a multi-layered environmental catastrophe.

'This requires an urgent probe. We intend to file a measure to look into these alleged large-scale dredging operations that cause serious environmental destruction, threaten livelihoods, and endanger the safety of our countrymen," De Lima said in a statement over the weekend.

In calling for the inquiry, the former senator raised the need to "determine the legality and scope of these operations, as well as their impact on the environment and the risks they pose to our coastal communities".

Particularly affected the fisherfolk and residents of San Felipe, Zambales.

"China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. is reportedly one of China’s state-run entities, being a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC)," noted De Lima.

"This Chinese infrastructure firm has already been reported to have a shady track record and to be involved in labor-related complaints—all the more reason for Malacañang to look into the situation in Zambales, as well as in other areas of the country facing similar issues," she underscored.

Last month, San Felipe residents decried the large-scale dredging operations of the Chinese contractor about 50 meters from the shoreline. They say the activity has destroyed marine habitats, reduced their income, and exposed their communities to coastal erosion and sea-level rise.

The groups said the dredging has worsened the destruction of the marine ecosystem and threatened their livelihoods due to noise pollution, coastal damage, and water contamination.

"If these large-scale dredging operations are left unchecked, we would be neglecting the welfare and concerns of our countrymen," reckoned De Lima, who had earlier called out the government--specifically the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)--for not being proactive in halting potentially disastrous activities such as dredging and black sand mining.

The ranking congresswoman underscored the importance of immediate action regarding the situation in Zambales and CHEC. The alternative scenario could be a nightmare, she said.

"Mawiwili lang lalo ang dayuhang kompanyang ito na ituloy ang kanilang mga aktibidad kung saan baka bukas makalawa, tuluyan nang mawasak ang ating mga likas na yaman, mawalan ng kabuhayan ang mga apektadong komunidad, at huwag naman sana, magising na lang tayo sa isang sakuna kung saan marami tayong kababayan ang mapapahamak," said De Lima.

(This foreign company will only be further emboldened to continue its activities, which could soon lead to the complete destruction of our natural resources, the loss of livelihood for affected communities, and God forbid, we might one day wake up to a disaster where many of our fellow citizens are put in harm’s way.)