CEZA denies transshipment of black sand

SANTA ANA, Cagayan, Philippines – The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) will not allow its freeport to be used as transshipment point for illegally extracted black sand, contrary to previous reports, an official said on Saturday. 

Engineer Julian Gonzales, CEZA deputy director, said there is no way undocumented items could pass through their port without being scrutinized by port and Customs personnel.

“No illegal items can pass through the port unless these are covered by proper documents,” said Gonzalez as he belied reports that the special economic zone is being used to smuggle black sand out of the country through Port Irene.

Shipment of black sand, he said, is only allowed if it has a permit to transport from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and extraction or mining permits from concerned local government units.

“Without these documents, you will not be allowed to ship your black sand and other minerals as well as to load or unload them inside the economic zone, including its freeport,” Gonzales said.

Illegal extraction of black sand in CEZA’s neighboring areas such as in the municipalities of Buguey, Aparri and Gonzaga is reportedly ongoing despite the crackdown against their operations.

Black sand commands a high price in foreign markets as it is used as an additive in manufacturing concrete and steel products, magnets, paint, ink, paper, jewelry and cosmetics.

Black sand mining has been the subject of protest actions by Church-led anti-mining advocates, who expressed fears of environmental disaster and loss of lives if the extraction would continue unabated.

Magnetite sand mining is reportedly financed by Chinese and Taiwanese firms that managed to secure permits from the local government units under the guise of engaging in dredging operation.

Earlier, Secretary Manuel Mamba, head of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office and Cagayan Task Force on Black Sand Mining, said the illegal extraction of black sand here would not thrive without the intercession of  powerful politicians.

Mamba said the activity generates billions of pesos, which he said only goes into the pockets of those who are abetting it.