Marcos orders probe into sand dredging for China’s South China Sea reclamations

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered a thorough investigation into reports that sand from Philippine coastal areas is being used for reclamation activities in disputed parts of the South China Sea.

The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) confirmed during a Senate hearing that sand dredging from disputed areas may involve members of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and is being utilized by China for island-building purposes.

Philippine Coast Guard has warned about Chinese reclamation activities impacting marine environments in Pag-asa cays and Escoda Shoal within the West Philippine Sea’s exclusive economic zone.

China’s increased presence, including recent reclamation projects and military installations, has raised concerns over environmental degradation and territorial disputes, particularly around Scarborough Shoal where activity levels have surged significantly.

NICA is monitoring firms conducting dredging activities across the country to ensure that sand from coastal areas is not being used for reclamation efforts in disputed territories.

The investigation aims to determine potential liability for local government officials involved in coastal quarrying operations and will take appropriate action if violations are confirmed.