VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA)— The Ilocos Sur provincial government and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have clarified recent sand transfer operations in Santa town, emphasizing that they are part of a crucial river dredging project aimed at mitigating flood risks, not illegal black sand mining.
“After thorough investigation and validation by the PCG, it has been conclusively established that the activities in question do not involve black sand mining, but rather a logistical operation due to technical issues with one of the vessels, MV Hong Hai 16, which was temporarily sheltered in Santa town due to bad weather,” the provincial government said.
This comes after a video circulated online March 7 showing the transfer of sand between two dredging vessels anchored in Santa anchorage.
The PCG stated that the MV Hong Hai 16 suffered suction pipe damage, thus preventing it from extracting sand at its designated dredging site, particularly in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur.
While at anchorage, MV Yong Xin 1, another dredging vessel, transferred its sand load to MV Hong Hai 16, which was dredged from Caoayan.
Lt. Junior Grade Christopher Busilan, station commander of Coast Guard Station in Ilocos Sur, said, “We understand that a picture of sand extraction has been circulating and may have caused concerns; however, we would like to clarify that the extraction did not take place in the waters of Santa but in the Caoayan dredging area, where strict procedures are followed and relevant documents are presented as well.”
He said, “Moreover, these dredging vessels are legally transporting their loads to the Pasay Reclamation Area as part of an approved reclamation project.”
In May 2024, dredging activities commenced in Caoayan as part of the provincial government’s efforts to improve water flow and eventually restore the natural state of the silted river channels.
This initiative follows the significant flooding experienced in many barangays near the Abra River in Bantay town caused by Super Typhoon Egay in July 2023.
Hence, the beginning of the restoration and desiltation project located at the river mouth in Santa and Caoayan along the Abra River.
“The investigation is clear: there is no black sand mining in Santa, Ilocos Sur, related to the ongoing river dredging project. All activities, including the transfer of materials, are carried out in strict compliance with the terms and conditions of the relevant agreements between the provincial government and the dredging operator, as well as the applicable laws and regulations governing such operations,” the provincial government added.
The provincial government and the PCG have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the province’s natural resources, stating they will ensure that all maritime activities, including dredging operations, adhere to existing laws and regulations, any reported violations will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate legal actions will be taken. (AMB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)
