MV SL ESMERALDA

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Dredger asked to leave Batangas

A citizen complaint prompted the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to investigate sand extraction activities in Lobo, Batangas along the Lobo River. The activities prompted Lobo town Mayor Gaudioso R. Manalo to ask the Philippine Coast Guard to order the "Emerald" to leave. On March 29, 2019, Barangay officials reported dredging activities of the vessel in Lobo with a crew of nine Chinese on board. The PCG was asked to order the Seagate dredger to leave as soon as the necessary documentation has been processed. They had a contract with the LGU from 2018 but they only arrived now. They brought an ECC (environmental compliance certificate). Manalo added they have an ongoing contract with another company, FS Suntan, that has secured the necessary permits. Allowing Seagate to operate would conflict with this. He is also worried about the negative effects dredging may have on their natural resources. Lobo is approved by the DOT as an agro-ecotourism destination. The corals could be destroyed, along with Verde Island passage. Report with photo: https://www.rappler.com/nation/227350-lobo-batangas-mayor-drives-away-foreign-vessel-despite-denr-permits