Chinese dredger shouldn’t be in Lobo

I am writing this letter to express my dismay over the presence of a Chinese vessel in Lobo, Batangas. (The vessel already left Lobo.—Ed.)

The world knows that Chinese aggression is still happening in the West Philippine Sea. And now, this Chinese hopper dredger, the 2,990-ton MV Emerald, has dropped anchor 500 meters from the 30-hectare mangrove reserve of Lagadlarin village in Lobo.

This vessel has no right to enter Philippine territory, as its entry can cause environmental destruction. Lobo is part of the Verde Island Passage, a marine sanctuary considered by scientists as the “center of the center of marine shore-fish biodiversity.”

The ship’s anchor might have already damaged the sea grass, a breeding ground for fish and sea turtles. The government must do something to address this issue. I also appeal to the Chinese government to stop its actions in the West Philippine Sea.

REGINE MAMAGAT-AGAPAY, [email protected]