Truckloads of white sand intercepted

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya , Philippines   â€“ Even the white sand along Cagayan’s northern coast is not spared from extraction.

This, as 10 truckloads of white sand were intercepted last Thursday by authorities in the northern coastal town of Santa Ana, whose Palaui Island has been adjudged as among the world’s 10 best islands and beaches.

Santa Ana Mayor Darwin Tobias said the convoy of dump trucks was intercepted by police and environment operatives after a brief chase in Barangay Racat, about 20 kilometers from San Vicente village where the white sand was believed to have been loaded.

Reports said the white sand was illegally extracted along the Aguib beach, part of the 7,415-hectare Palaui Island, a national government-protected marine area.