KALIBO, Aklan -- Several environment groups in Panay Island have denounced the plan of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) to establish a nuclear plant in Semirara Island in nearby Antique province.
Bong Sanchez of the Save the Antique Movement based in San Joe, Antique said they oppose the project as nuclear power plant is considered dirty.
"I have written a petition to Congresswoman Loren Legarda and to the provincial officials of Antique to issue a resolution to oppose the nuclear plant in Antique. This is in lieu of the economic benefit of the province may gain which is being considered by the Office of the Vice Governor," Sanchez said,
Juan Carlo Alonsagay, president of the Alpha Team Organization (ATO) Inc., said in a social media post: "Purely BS! If you can't even ensure the safety of your workers and the environmental health of the island, please don't be foolish enough to think of putting it there."
Alonsagay’s post was referring to the D.M. Consunji Inc. (DMCI) firm that currently operates the coal-fired power plant in Semirara Island.
ATO Inc. is a Philippine-based youth organization that focuses on social and creative activism. The youth group is based in Pandan, Antique.
Activist Siegfred Deduro, vice president of the Iloilo-based Bayan Visayas, also condemned the proposal to establish a nuclear power plant.
"This is a very dangerous prospect. Semirara is near the active West Panay Fault that may trigger a nuclear fallout during earthquakes," Deduro said.
Earlier, PNRI Director Carlo Arcilla said Semirara Island in Caluya, Antique is a potential site for a nuclear power plant.
"It will be fantastic if the Consunjis [DMCI] who run the coal plant, will operate the nuclear facility should it happen," he said.