Calls for action against China’s alleged dumping human waste and sewage on West Philippine Sea

[ASEAN NOW News]

Members of the Makabayan bloc have filed a resolution seeking to investigate the alleged dumping of human waste and sewage of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

 

 

According to a report by Politiko, mentioned in House Resolution 1961, the lawmakers urged the House Committees on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources and on Foreign Affairs to conduct the investigation.

 

The call for an investigation stemmed from the report by US-based tech firm Simularity, that large number of Chinese ships have been dumping human waste and sewage on West Philippine Sea for many years.

 

“Whereas the feces and sewage discharge has caused chlorophyll A to increase. It resulted in too much phytoplankton that cannot be consumed by reef inhabitants. Therefore, it caused massive destruction to the maritime resources,” the resolution read.

 

Can even see waste from Space

Simularity said the damage have become visible from space, and that large number of Chinese ships have been dumping human waste and sewage on West Philippine Sea for many years.

 

“Whereas the feces and sewage discharge has caused chlorophyll A to increase. It resulted in too much phytoplankton that cannot be consumed by reef inhabitants. Therefore, it caused massive destruction to the maritime resources,” the resolution read.

 

 

The Makabayan bloc said the destruction of reef could lead to a decrease in food supply and “eventually result in a hunger crisis for the entire world since WPS became the source of food for migratory fish.”

 

“Whereas the bold act of Chinese vessels is a brazen manifestation of China’s utter disrespect to the sovereignty and landmark victory of the Philippines on the WPS dispute,” the resolution further read.

 

The Makabayan bloc is comprised of Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas, Bayan Muna Representatives Carlos Isagani Zarate, Ferdinand Gaite and Eufemia Cullamat and Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago.

 

Yesterday, Simularity stood by its report of Chinese ships dumping waste in the West Philippine Sea.

 

The tech company defended the controversial report in response to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. who cast doubt on the authenticity of its report.

 

The company also stressed that its research was backed by science.

 

“We encourage verification of our findings by the Philippine government, and stand by our research methods, sources, and findings,” Simularity tweeted.

 

In a quote-retweet on Tuesday, Locsin reacted to a reporter who sought his comment about Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto’s proposal to file a diplomatic protest over the incident.

 

Looks likely things are going to hot up internationally.