Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 14) — The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) on Monday said all Chinese contractors in Manila Bay reclamation projects have secured permits to operate following reports on possible security threat.
“Before these vessels and their crew were allowed to enter or do business here in the Philippines, especially sa (in) Manila Bay, we required special permits from other government agencies,” PRA Assistant General Manager Joseph Literal told CNN Philippines’ The Source.
The Maritime Industry Authority, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the National Security Council are some of the agencies involved in the issuance of permits to Chinese contractors, he added.
Last Aug. 10, House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo warned about possible security threat after crew members of Chinese vessels docked in Manila Bay were seen being transported to areas around the bay. He noted that the ships have been in the area for months and are involved in dredging and reclamation activities.
The Bureau of Immigration over the weekend started inspecting the vessels following the concerns raised about the foreign crew.
Coast Guard Manila station Commander Captain Jerome Lozada said in another interview that the PCG also inspects the safety compliance of all the vessels once these dock and every three months.
Lozada noted that his unit focuses on locally registered vessels.
He also said that authorities will closely monitor if the vessels are complying after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said that all reclamation activities in Manila Bay are under review and suspended indefinitely.
