Photo Release

INQUIRY ON ILLEGAL MINING IN ZAMBALES: Senator Richard Gordon, chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, presides over an inquiry into the reported destructive mining operations in the province of Zambales and the alleged smuggling of Philippine soil used by China to build its man-made islands in the disputed West Philippine Sea, Monday, October 17, 2016. "I would like to know how many operations like these are happening – mining operations or buying of sands or whatever that is going to China. It is important for us to safeguard our national interest," Gordon said, adding that he has seen similar operations in other provinces such as Agusan, Surigao, Palawan, Ilocos, and Cagayan, among others. Also in photo is Senate Majority Leader Tito Sotto. (PRIB Photo by Cesar Tomambo/17 October 2016)