MANILA, March 13 -- Senator Jinggoy Estrada filed a resolution Wednesday seeking to investigate the reported dredging activities of Chinese vessels in Zambales.

Estrada is worried that the activities could have a significant impact on the lives of Zambales residents who rely on fishing and may disturb the overall balance of the ecosystem.

"The ongoing dredging activities may disturb the overall balance of the ecosystem; therefore, we must take into consideration the long-term effects of these actions. Our natural resources need to be protected," he said in a statement.

The authorities, Estrada said, are claiming that the purpose of the dredging operation is to rehabilitate the heavily silted river channels and prevent flooding.

But th...