The Local Government of Caluya, Antique states that the Semirara Mining Corporation (SMC) provides prodigious assistance to the constituents of Caluya. This is in truth, a deception. While the Barangay of Semirara where the current mine pit is located has received services and increased lvelihood opportunities, this is not true of the other 17 barangays. The Caluya LGU’s close collaboration with SMC comes at a cost with detrimental effects on our livelihoods, environment, and future. The lack of transparency of our government and the more than 30 years of bullying and repressive tactics by the mining company with their armed guards has created fear on the islands and a mistrust of their own elected officials. In order to officially raise our sentiments and to raise the issue to a broader audience and seek immediate solution to our predicament, we, the majority of the people of Caluya in concerted effort gathered stories of compelling violations against our rights and violations of environmental policies and regulations by SMC and the LGU of Caluya.
Read the full statement: SUMMARY OF ISSUES AND CALLS OF THE PEOPLE OF CALUYA
