DENR to send team to check on Semirara

ILOILO CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is sending a team in Semirara Island, Caluya town, Antique to validate the explanation of the country’s largest coal producer on major concerns raised by DENR Secretary Gina Lopez.

Jonathan Bulos, Western Visayas regional director of Environmental Management Bureau, an attached agency of DENR, confirmed the sending of the team.

The DENR Central Office issued a show-cause order against Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC), a subsidiary of DMCI Holdings, Inc.

SMPC was asked to explain why its Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC) issued by the EMB should not be cancelled.

SMPC submitted a statement to the DENR last August 16, but Bulos said the department still has to validate the explanations.

Semirara was cited for the reported siltation of marine areas, damage to coral life, toxic waste contaminating the water, complaints by seaweed farmers, hazardous working conditions, displacement of local residents, and land disputes.

Nine miners were also killed in July, 2015 when one of Semirara’s open coalmine pits collapsed.

Bulos suggested to DENR Central Office that representatives from DENR-6’s Western Visayas offices join the team.