Sen. Chiz Escudero this week called on the government to establish an investigating body to probe allegations of environ-mental degradation of the waters near the Semirara Mining Co. (SMC) coal washing plant in Semirara Island, Antique.
"The coastal and marine resources of the entire Panay Island, which Antique is part of, and nearby Central and Western Visayas could be at risk if it is proven that they have been damaged by chemical poisoning from SMC, which could affect 1,300 families who depend on fishing in the area for their livelihood," he stressed.
He noted that the Department of Environ-ment and Natural Resources (DENR) previously issued a cease-and-desist order to SMC that has been operating on the 5,500-hectare Semirara Island for more than two decades.
SMC expects coal production this year to reach five (5) million metric tons. The company projects revenues of P14-16 billion this year.
Semirara is one of nine (9) islands that make up the municipality of Caluya, Antique on the northern end of Panay Island.
SMC has disputed the findings of the DENR that the firm is responsible for contaminating the sea through the disposal of toxic substances as well as the siltation of mangroves, stressing its studies indicate tolerable levels of toxins.
"The findings of the DENR contradict that of SMC. To resolve this impasse, government must organize an independent fact-finding mission that will look into the waste disposal operations in mining sites to validate opposing views."
"We need to ensure that companies engaged in extractive industries take their environmental responsibilities seriously," Escudero pointed out. /MP
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