Fishermen group hits team monitoring Tañon exploration

A group of fishermen has lambasted government offcials, who composed the Multi-Partite Monitoring Team for Tañon oil and gas explorations, for acting like “spokespersons” of the Japan Petroleum Explorations Inc., the project contrator.

The group also questioned the results of the monitoring conducted by the team that cleared JAPEX of any liability in the controversial explorations.

Victor Lapaz, provincial chairman of the Panaghugpong sa Gagmay’ng Mananagat sa Sugbo, said they suspected the MMT has been afraid to reveal the true results of their study on Tañon, and they accused JAPEX of paying off the team.

The agencies that comprised the monitoring team have long denied the accusations, causing the fishermen’s group to react. “Ang JAPEX mao’y angay mostorya ana, dili kay sila (MMT). Nahimo na hinuon silang tigpamaba sa JAPEX,” Lapaz said.

He also questioned why the monitoring released the results of their investigation on Tañon only recently when the oil drilling activities has already ended.

The MMT last week revealed the results of the tests it conducted in different areas along Tañon Strait near the site of the oil exploration drilling. In its report, it stated that the explorations have no significant or adverse effects on the marine environment of the area.

The fisherfolks have opposed to the exploratory activities, insisting that these are destructive to the marine environment and their livelihood.

Environmental Management Board’s William Cuñado, who headed the MMT, said the members have not seen any dire impact of the exploratory activities to the marine environment, and that the contractor had complied with all the requirements and environmental laws and regulations.

The MMT was composed of government agencies and stakeholders concerned on oil exploration. — Wenna A. Berondo/RAE