Malacañang on Wednesday said those involved in unauthorized reclamation activities along the country’s coastlines may face criminal charges under two key environmental laws.

“If anyone is found violating these laws, they can be charged under the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Mining Act,” said Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro in a press briefing.

The warning comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered an investigation into alleged reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) reportedly carried out by Chinese nationals.

The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) earlier told the Senate Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones that dredging operations had taken place in various parts of the country.

The extracted sand, they said, was reportedly used to create artificial islands in the WPS.

Castro said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is working closely with the NICA and the Philippine Coast Guard to look into the matter.

“There is an ongoing investigation. We can’t reveal details yet because the issues involved are sensitive,” she said.

In recent months, residents of Cagayan province raised concerns about dredging activities allegedly being carried out by Chinese firms, which they said has led to severe ecological damage. Local fishermen claimed their catch has dwindled, hurting their livelihood.

Similar complaints were aired by residents of Mindoro Island. Dredging operations have been reported in several towns, including Gloria in Oriental Mindoro and Mamburao and Rizal in Occidental Mindoro.

While local officials claimed these projects were for flood control and desiltation, the affected communities remained skeptical, citing the environmental toll and the alleged involvement of foreign entities.