MANILA – The Semirara Mining and Power
Corporation (SMPC) should give an explanation about the alleged entry of
Chinese vessels to Semirara Island in Caluya, Antique amid the declaration of a
lockdown in the area, according to the province’s lone district representative
Loren Legarda.
Legarda said in a statement on April 22 that there had been already seven
vessels since last month inspected by the Bureau of Quarantine, Bureau of
Customs and Bureau of Immigration in the island.
In January, Legarda added that she already gave a recommendation to temporarily
disallow the entry of Chinese vessels in Antique.
She also questioned the legal basis of the exportation of coal during this
coronavirus disease 2019 crisis.
“The export of coal from Semirara to the Chinese at this time is not an essential industry. So, why is there a need for Chinese vessels? This important question begs for an answer. The welfare of my people is paramount,” Legarda said.
“I cannot reassure my constituents that all measures taken are sufficient until I have all the information I need from the company. Even the local governments are not clear on the protocols they follow,” the former senator added.
“Both the national government and provincial government directives did not exempt coal exports from the restrictions. SMPC needs to show their legal basis for the continuation of these exports to show they are not in violation of these restrictions,” she further said.
Legarda has been contacting the officials of SMPC for an explanation.
Earlier this week, Save Antique Movement released photos and video footage on social media showing ships it claimed to be Chinese vessels docking in the port of Semirara Island./PN
