The Roman Catholic Church in Antique province has joined the calls to postpone the coal mining operations in Semirara Island in Caluya town, following the four confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“In this time of pandemic, the Semirara coal mining and shipment operations are contrary to human life and safety,” director of the Diocese of San Jose de Antique’sFr. Edione Febrero was quoted in a report.
Febrero also sent a letter of appeal addressed to the Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi, which has jurisdiction over Semirara.
“We strongly make this appeal even as we stand in solidarity with the residents of Semirara and Caluya , knowing fully well that COVID-19 will not defer to be perceived importance to the island’s businesses, but will bring greater suffering to people with limited means of self-preservation,” said Febrero in the letter obtained by Manila Bulletin.
The diocese’s move followed Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao, Antique Representative Loren Legarda and Caluya Mayor Rigil Kent Lim had made a similar decision to put a temporary stop on Semirara’s operations.
The diocese said government officials should order a temporary suspension on the transport of coal products as it is allegedly against the protocol on enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) set by both the national government and the provincial government.
“There must be an order that all foreign ships to immediately return to their port of origins until no new infections are recorded,” Febrero added.
