MATABIL
ni John Fontanilla
PINABULAANAN ni Nadine Lustre at ng boyfriend, nitong Pinoy-French businessman na si Christopher Bariou na may koneksiyon sila sa pagkasira mga coral reefs sa Tuason Beach sa Siargao na kumakalat ngayon sa social media
Ayon kay Christopher, “I want to make it absolutely clear that Nadine and I have no part in the destruction of the reef in Tuason, nor are we in any way involved in the project there.”
Iginiit pa ni Christopher na, “Like everyone else, we are saddened, disappointed and frustrated by what happened.”
Ipinagtanggol din ni Christopher ang kanilang restoran, Ver De Siargao, “Sa mga napaka-unfair na balita Ver De Siargao was built on sustainability and respect for the environment. While the person accused is a business partner in this restaurant, his project in Tuason is entirely separate. We are not accountable for his actions, and we will not tolerate misplaced attacks on us or on Ver De, which provides livelihoods for many and contributes to the community.”
Nalungkot naman si Nadine sa malisyosong balita sa kanila ni Christoher.
“The destruction there goes against every law of nature and must be held accountable under the law. It’s no secret that the person involved is a friend. That makes it all the more heartbreaking to see not only the damage done to the island, but also the betrayal of what Chris and I have been fighting for,” giit ng aktres.
Sinabi pa ni Nadine, “We chose to take a moment before speaking because it was important to respond with care, not impulse, on such a serious matter. That is not indifference, it is responsibility. I carry the weight of this platform knowing that words have consequences.
“By the time we learned about the situation, DENR’s investigation was already underway. Had we known of these plans earlier, we would have opposed them outright. It is unjust to be linked to a project we had no knowledge of and no part in.”
At kahit nga patuloy silang iniintriga ay committed pa rin ang mga ito sa kanilang adbokasiya para sa Siargao’s environment and community.
“Even now when our intentions are questioned or unfairly portrayed, our direction will not change—because the work was never about recognition or popularity, but about doing what is right.
“Let’s ensure something positive comes from this tragic event. I hope all agencies and residents can work together to investigate the many instances of environmental destruction that have plagued Siargao for years,” wika pa ni Nadine.
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