A dredging vessel has reportedly run aground on a reef near residential areas in Barangay Talabaan, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro, according to netizens’ reports and images shared by residents.

The stranded vessel is reportedly less than 50 meters from homes, sparking fears among residents about potential environmental damage and safety risks.

This incident follows weeks of people’s complaints about offshore dredging operations.

Residents have documented at least six sand dredging vessels operating off the coast of Talabaan in recent weeks.

According to Department of Public Works and Highways orders, Section 79 of DENR Administrative Order 2010-21, and the Water Code of the Philippines, extraction or dredging operations for river flood control are prohibited within 500 meters of shorelines.

Critics point out that the PERRC Corporation’s dredging vessels in Barangay Talabaan are operating approximately 100 meters from the shore, an apparent violation of these regulations.

“The operation should be suspended immediately due to these legal violations,” environment advocates said.

Residents of Barangay Talabaan organized a prayer rally on March 23, 2025 to protest the dredging operations conducted by P.E.R.R.C Construction and Development Corporation. The demonstration took place along the shoreline, directly facing the company’s dredging vessels.

“The vibration from the dredging here is intense. I hung a star that faces the sea, and it’s terrible,” one resident commented.

Local fishermen report they can no longer fish in their traditional grounds due to the noise generated by the dredging operations, severely impacting their livelihoods.

Occidental Mindoro Governor Eduardo Gadiano has repeatedly assured residents that the dredging operations in Mamburao and Sta. Cruz are safe.

However, people are questioning the gap between his promises and the reality they experience daily.

The governor sad that noise issues from the operations have been resolved, but residents continue to complain about loud noise and fumes.

Gadiano claimed dialogues were held with affected communities, but many residents report they were neither invited nor consulted in any public forum.

While the governor referenced a “dredging master plan,” community members note this has not been clearly presented to affected communities, nor have copies of Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) been made accessible in barangay offices.

Despite assurances that buoys were installed to limit operations to approved areas, dredging activities have reportedly extended to coastal waters and multiple barangays beyond the Pagbahan River in Talabaan, which was the only area covered by the ECC.

Most critically, Gadiano promised to stop dredging immediately if it negatively affected residents, yet operations continue despite numerous documented complaints.

On April 9, 2025, coinciding with Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), Bayan Muna 4th Nominee Eufemia Cullamat and Makabayan senatorial candidate Teddy Casiño visited Talabaan to investigate the situation.

According to residents, the dredging operations began in January this year and have caused hardship. They report sleepless nights due to nearly round-the-clock operations, foul odors, and documented oil spills. The loss of fish catches has severely affected their daily sustenance and livelihoods.

Mindoro resident Debbie Bathan Pagilagan shared video footage dated April 24, 2025 showing multiple vessels conducting what appears to be sand mining operations close to shore.

The Mindoro Forum Network, a coalition of various sectors and groups in Mindoro, has said: “This dredging operation will only result in environmental destruction along with the loss of livelihoods.” They have launched a petition to stop the dredging operations and protect fishing rights, livelihoods, and the environment.

Community members continue to direct their frustration at local officials, including PENRO Ernesto E. Tañada, Governor Gadiano, and Mayor Angelina “Lyn” Tria, whom they accuse of not taking sufficient action.

(The image of the grounded vessel and the dredging video were captured by Roman Torrelino.)