Christophe Bariou says he, Nadine Lustre not part of ‘destructive’ Siargao project
Christophe Bariou clarified he and his actress girlfriend Nadine Lustre are not involved in the construction of a luxury villa in Siargao, which caused the supposed destruction of reefs on the island.
According to non-profit organization Siargao Environmental Awareness (SEA) Movement Inc., the island community has been outraged after reefs in Tuason were allegedly flattened using a backhoe for the development of a luxury villa.
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The Filipino-French businessman, who is apparently being linked to the project, issued a clarification via his Instagram Stories on Friday, Sept. 19.
“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. Like everyone else, we are saddened, disappointed, and frustrated by what happened,” he said.
Bariou lamented how his and Lustre’s restaurant Ver De Siargao is being “unfairly targeted” because the “accused” individual involved in the villa project is their business partner.
“Ver De Siargao Restaurant has nothing to do with this,” Bariou stressed. “We do not support or condone such actions.”
“While the person accused is a business partner in this restaurant, his project in Tuason is entirely separate,” he stated. “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.”
Bariou then condemned all forms of hate speech, saying they are trusting that the matter will be addressed according to the law.
Bariou also shared the “call to action” post of S.E.A. Movement on the matter, and underscored the opportunity to raise awareness on the similar cases in Siargao.
“This could become an opportunity to raise awareness about the many illegal and environmentally destructive projects that have plagued Siargao over the years—from private owners to those in positions of power,” he wrote.
“We can turn this into a chance for accountability and stronger protection of our island,” he added.
Lustre has yet to speak on the matter as of this writing.
‘Disrupting nature’
Meanwhile, also among those who disfavored the luxury villa project was Siargao-based actress Andi Eigenmann.
“Gone are the days when people came to Siargao simply to enjoy the island for what it truly is!” she lamented. “Now we see others coming in for the [aesthetic], for the ‘Siargao is my home bruhhh.’ Those who are completely missing the point!”
“Some even go as far as backhoe-ing beachfronts for their luxury villas, touching what has not been touched for a reason,” she added. “What they don’t realize is that when you disrupt nature, it will never be the same again. (Or do they realize this and simply just don’t give a damn!)”
Eigenmann then stressed that the island needs to be protected “for the locals who are its true stewards, for the surf that made it special, and for the generations to come.”
