Citing brewing national security concerns, Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima has urged the House of Representatives to promptly schedule an inquiry into the reported dredging and sand extraction activities in Zambales, particularly in the municipality of San Felipe.

"We need to probe the legality of these dredging and extraction activities, identify those involved, assess the damage to the environment and the livelihoods of affected residents and communities, and evaluate the threats they pose to our national security," De Lima said on Sunday, Nov. 9.

De Lima's call came a day before the House of Representatives was scheduled to resume plenary sessions following the month-long 'Undas" holidays.

China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC) is carrying out the dredging in Zambales, which faces the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Chinese incursions in the WPS are continous and are well-documented by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Earlier, De Lima filed House Resolution (HR) No. 424, which sought the investigation to determine their compliance with environmental, labor, and maritime laws, and to examine the involvement and accountability of foreign contractors, including the CHEC.

Last month, environmental organizations--including the Zambales Ecological Network (ZEN), Save Our Shores Zambales, and the Institute for Area Management--raised serious allegations that the so-called flood control and river restoration projects in Zambales, implemented under Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2019-13, were, in reality, large-scale sand mining and extraction operations disguised as public infrastructure initiatives.

According to reports, CHEC is one of China’s state-run entities, being a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).

"If the large-scale dredging operations are left unchecked, we would be neglecting the welfare and concerns of our countrymen," De Lima warned.

Compounding deputy minority leader's concerns were the reported discovery of 10 mysterious docked ships near the coast of San Felipe town last week.

"Base sa impormasyon, ilang araw na raw ang mga barkong yan doon (Based on the information, the boats have been docked there for several days). What are these ships? What are they doing there? Are our authorities checking this out?" she wondered, worriedly.

Asked if it would be prudent to consider calling for a ban on China-led dredging in the Philippines, De Lima answered: "This will be determined through the inquiry we are calling for."

"That is why this matter must be investigated urgently. Depending on where the evidence leads us, we can also look into similar issues in other areas, examine the involvement and accountability of foreign contractors, including Chinese firms, and determine whether to ban their operations in the country," she underscored.

De Lima also said President Marcos can double down on his recent Association of Southeast Asian Nations-United States (ASEAN-US) Summit by giving the correct response to the Zambales issue.

"The President should take this matter seriously and act with urgency. Addressing this issue aligns with the President’s foreign policy and his recent pronouncements at the 13th ASEAN-US Summit last month, which underscored the need to remain firm and resolute in confronting threats to regional peace and national security, as well as to advance our shared commitment to maritime sustainability," she said.

"The administration should be more assertive and proactive—not merely reactionary—in addressing these pressing issues. Kumilos na agad tayo bago pa mahuli ang lahat (We should act before everything becomes too late)," De Lima further said.