Philippine Lawmaker Calls for Probe Into Alleged Iron Ore Shipment to China

Philippine Congresswoman Leila de Lima has called for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into reports that iron ore extracted from the coastal town of Jose Panganiban in Camarines Norte province may have been shipped to China, raising concerns over legality, environmental impact, and government oversight.

De Lima said reports of several vessels positioned near the shoreline allegedly preparing to transport iron ore overseas must be thoroughly examined, stressing that the issue involves the Philippines’ natural resources and potential violations of mining and export regulations.

“The public deserves to know whether this activity is legal, properly authorized, and compliant with environmental and mining laws,” De Lima said. She warned that unregulated extraction and export of minerals could cause lasting damage to the environment and threaten the livelihoods of coastal communities.

The lawmaker called on Philippine government agencies, including the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), to clarify whether the operators involved possess the required Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), valid mining permits, and export clearances.

De Lima also questioned whether proper environmental impact assessments were conducted and whether local communities were consulted before the alleged operation took place. She urged authorities to immediately verify the reports and disclose their findings to the public.

As of this writing, no official statement has been released by the concerned government agencies regarding the alleged shipment. De Lima emphasized that transparency and accountability are essential, particularly when the country’s mineral resources are involved.

Jose Panganiban, a mineral-rich municipality in northern Philippines, has long been the site of mining activities and environmental concerns. Observers say the case highlights broader issues of resource governance and environmental protection in developing countries facing growing global demand for raw materials.

De Lima warned that failure to act decisively could undermine public trust and set a dangerous precedent. “This must be addressed openly and decisively,” she said.