A progressive fishers’ group has urged the House of Representatives to conduct an independent investigation into the environmental and economic impact of the controversial dredging operations in Cagayan province under the Duterte administration, which were carried out by Chinese firms.

Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) issued the call following statements by Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro, who said the operations had already ceased in 2023.

However, Pamalakaya Secretary General Salvador France said Castro’s statement failed to address the lasting damage left behind by the project.

“Hindi ito basta isyu ng ‘natigil na.’ Ang tanong, ano ang naging epekto nito sa kabuhayan at kalikasan sa Cagayan? Bakit hanggang ngayon ay wala pa ring malinaw na imbestigasyon at pananagutan sa mga dayuhang kumpanyang sumira sa ating ilog (This is not simply a case of the operations being stopped. The question is: what were the impacts on the livelihood and environment in Cagayan? Why is there still no investigation or accountability for the foreign companies that damaged our rivers)?” France said in a statement on Monday, April 8.

The fishers’ group called on lawmakers to investigate the full extent of the damage, publicly disclose any agreements made with Chinese contractors, and push for the rehabilitation of affected marine areas.

According to France, many fisherfolk continue to suffer from reduced fish catch and the degradation of coastal waters, more than a year after the operations were supposedly halted.

“Hindi sapat ang sagot ni Usec. Castro. Hindi lang ito usapin ng dredging na natigil. Usapin ito ng pananagutan. Bakit pinayagan ang mga Chinese firm na mag-operate sa ilalim ng pekeng ‘desiltation’ project? Anong ginawa ng pamahalaan para panagutin sila (Usec. Castro’s response is not enough. This is not just about dredging being stopped. It’s about accountability. Why were Chinese firms allowed to operate under a fake ‘desiltation’ project? What has the government done to hold them accountable)?”he said.

The House, he said, must not treat the issue as closed simply because operations were suspended.

“Hindi pwedeng basta na lang sabihing tapos na ang operasyon kaya tapos na rin ang isyu. Ang epekto nito ay ramdam pa rin hanggang ngayon ng mga mangingisda sa Cagayan. Kailangan ng hustisya at tunay na aksyon (We can’t just say the operations are over so the issue is over too. Fisherfolk in Cagayan still feel the impact to this day. Justice and real action are needed),” France added.