by Santosh Digal

A series of digs for seismic research could accelerate the search for new oil reserves. The diocese denounces the lack of consultation of local people, recalling that the area in question is protected and needs to be preserved “for future generations”.

Bohol (AsiaNews) – The Bohol archdiocese has strongly opposed against the oil exploration in Bohol province in the face of a new oil drilling project in four of its towns. In a pastoral statement, Tagbilaran, Bohol Archbishop Leonardo Medroso said the local clergy is "appalled" that the seismic survey was conducted in the seawaters of Panglao, Dauis, Maribojoc and Loon, south of Manila.

“Will the blue sea of Bohol Strait remain the pure essence of life-giving water to the present and future generations, - asks the archbishop - or will it degenerate into a murky water of non-life, an ugly reminder of our indifference and irresponsibility?” Moreover the prelate underlines that the government and the foreign firm conducting the survey did not even consulting the local residents.

A foreign company, NorAsian Energy Ltd. (NAEL), conducted the survey with the approval of both the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR): “In this light,- continued Msgr. Medroso - let us exhaust all peaceful means to prevent the oil drilling program from proceeding unless the DOE and NAEL shall disclose to the public the details of the service contract and other agreements, conduct consultations that are wide in scope, accessible to all stakeholders, honest and transparent to affected communities, and broadly participative in working out decisions”.

Medroso also said the clergy was disappointed to learn that the seismic survey, conducted on an exploration site that had been officially declared by the national and local governments as “a marine protected area” (MPA): a move which exempts the firm from stringent measures required by the laws of the land that “seek to preserve the nation's ecosystem”. The prelate also scored the survey being conducted without consulting those dependent on either commercial or small-scale fishing. “The greatest danger – concludes Msgr. Medroso – is that these seismic tests are hiding projects aimed at oil exploration”.

 

• PHILIPPINES
• BOHOL
• OIL
• EXPLORATION
• ENVIRONMENT
• NATURAL
• RESERVE
• ECOSYSTEM