Environmentalists support the demands of small islands countries on global carbon emissions

Philippine Climate Watch Alliance

#26 Matulungin St. Central District, Diliman, Quezon City

Tel.: +63 2 9248756 fax: +63 2 9209099 email:philclimatewa tch@gmail. com

Press Release

December 5, 2008





Environmentalists support the demands of small islands countries on global carbon emissions



Philippine Climate Watch Alliance (PCWA) support the demand of the 43 small islands states, the Philippines included, for industrialized nations to cut their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by more than 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and by more than 95 percent by 2050.

"It is a positive thing that the Philippine delegation to Poznan is united with other developing nations on the level of GHG emissions reduction industrialized nations should take, " said Meggie Nolasco, spokesperson of the Philippine Climate Watch Alliance (PCWA).

The alliance is comprised of representatives of people's organizations, non-government organizations, community organizations, scientific community and environmental groups that seeks to address and discuss the issue of climate change here in the Philippines.

According to Dr. Giovanni Tapang, chairperson of the militant scientist group AGHAM and co-convenor of PCWA, "Achieving more than 40% global carbon emission cut below 1990 level by 2020 may avert the feared 2 degrees Celsius increase of global temperature, which many scientists believed will be catastrophic if not prevented. It is a realistic goal and the world has no choice if we want to avoid global disaster."

In a statement of PCWA , they urged the 43 developing countries, especially the Philippine delegates, to hold their ground as developed countries, especially the US, have tried to evade responsibility in the past.

The US, the largest emitter of GHG in the world, is the only industrialized country, which did not sign the 1998 Kyoto Protocol. Its President-elect Obama promises to reduce their carbon emission down to their 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% below 1990 level by 2050. The European Union is negotiating a 20% cut below 1990 levels by 2020.

"It should be expected that industrialized countries, particularly the United States, will impose smaller carbon emission reduction in the pre-text of protecting their economies, as they have done in the past. They might also claim that higher carbon cut targets are unrealistic," Nolasco warned.

The alliance held that industrialized nations would want to continue to exploit and consume fossil fuels in their greed for profit. This is in view of the fact that industrialized nations were the ones historically and primarily responsible in the emission and rise of greenhouse gases (GHG).

Although developed countries already gave their word to cut back on emissions, Nolasco insisted that, "Cutting back on emissions is not enough. Any genuine move to resolve the problem of global warming must critically recognize and address the larger socio-economic context in which it occurs."

"As we criticize the policies and offenses of industrialized nations, especially the US, as exacerbating the problem of global warming, the Philippine government also lacks genuine policies and programs to mitigate climate change and help communities adapt to its impacts." Nolasco pointed out.

She further expressed that, "The position of the Philippine government in the Conference of Parties in Poznan contradicts the policies of the Arroyo administration in relation to carbon emissions. The Arroyo government's economic policies such as in mining and energy, agriculture and forest is geared towards in producing and consuming more carbon-based fuels such as large-scale mining projects, coal-fired power plants, oil and gas extraction projects."

"The solution to global warming goes beyond carbon emission reduction. We should address the root cause of it, which is the unsustainable extraction and use of our natural resource particularly of fossil fuels. For a start, we can address the problem if we can oppose and stop the globalization policies of the Arroyo administration which is putting our country and people more at risk and vulnerable to climate change," Dr. Tapang ended.

Reference: Meggie Nolasco, PCWA spokesperson, 09163733275

support fishersfolks' fight against off-shore mining

Dear friends,

Warm greetings!

On 20th – 23rd October 2008, an international fact finding mission (IFFM) was organized by PAN AP, PCFS and FIDEC in Central Visayas, Philippines to look into the effects of off-shore oil and gas exploration. The IFFM team was composed of various organisations' representatives from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.

The findings of the IFFM team prove that off-shore mining activities have destroyed the marine ecosystem and have greatly affected the lives and economic activities of the communities, who are greatly dependent on the marine resources for their daily existence.

As a result of the IFFM, the team recommends for the government to immediately stop the off-shore oil and gas exploration activities. According to their joint manifesto, these extractive activities violate the economic, social, and cultural rights of the Visayan people, especially the right to food and food sovereignty.

A full documentation of the IFFM is published in the Speak Out and can be downloaded from http://www.foodsov.org/resources/hungerplunder.pdf .

A photo essay can be viewed at http://www.foodsov.org/html/gallery.htm .

We urge everyone to support the struggle of the Visayan fishing community by signing on to the online petition letter found at http://www.foodsov.org/html/petition10.php. This letter will be automatically sent to the concerned offices and individuals.

Thank you for your support.


Sincerely,
PCFS Secretariat

===================================


Pesticide Action Network (PAN) is a global network working to eliminate the human and environmental harm caused by pesticides and to promote biodiversity based ecological agriculture. PAN Asia and the Pacific is committed to the empowerment of people especially women, agricultural workers, and peasant and indigenous farmers. We are dedicated to protect the safety and health of people, and the environment from pesticide use and genetic engineering. We believe in a people-centered, pro-women development through food sovereignty, ecological agriculture and sustainable lifestyles.

Garcia halts survey to find oil after firm fails to consult LGUs

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/garcia-halts-survey-find-oil-after-firm-fails-consult-lgus

Garcia halts survey to find oil after firm fails to consult LGUs

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Sunday, November 30, 2008 - 23:32
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THE order temporarily halting an Australian-based firm’s oceanographic survey on possible presence of oil and natural gas off the seawaters of Argao and Sibonga towns stays, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said.

“They (firm officials) failed to coordinate with the local government units. They failed to apply for an efficient, quick and transparent system of compensation to fisherfolk,” Garcia told a recent press conference.

She also said that no clear consultations were done with the affected residents.

NorAsia Energy Ltd. launched exploratory surveys in Argao and Sibonga September this year.

But fisherfolks, cause-oriented groups, and environmentalist lawyers have strongly objected to its activity, which they said put to risk marine life and the livelihood of fishermen.

Sibonga Mayor Lionel Bacaltos and Argao Mayor Edsel Galeos both refused to sign the draft memorandum of agreement presented to them by the Department of Energy (DOE).

The agreement was aimed at conciliating with the two southeastern town mayors, who also objected to the seismic surveys.

Bacaltos said he would not sign the agreement until the DOE deletes a provision stating that “proper consultation were conducted” with the affected residents and fisherfolks.

He said NorAsia has not conducted any public hearing on its plans.

Galeos, on the other hand, said he has yet to read the agreement, adding that he will make sure the fisherfolks’ concerns will be addressed.

Garcia had issued an executive order (EO) suspending NorAsia’s seismic survey.

She said it was insufficient for the firm to simply furnish her and the two concerned town mayors a letter informing them of the activity.

DOE 7 Director Antonio Labios and NorAsia representatives, who paid her a courtesy call recently, had assured her that the firm will address all concerns.

“But as of now, the EO stands because I had requested them (NorAsia) to come up with an agreement on how further exploration should be done, especially on the
compensation of affected fisherfolk,” said Garcia. (GMD)

For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here.

(December 1, 2008 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.

Green Vote, Now!

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=419292&publicationSubCategoryId=107

Agreement signed for peaceful elections
Updated November 28, 2008 12:00 AM

CEBU - The Commission on Elections has signed a memorandum of understanding with lawyers group, deans of colleges and universities offering law courses, student’s organizations, non-governmental organizations and civic groups for the holding of honest and peaceful elections in 2010.

Comelec Commissioner Rene V. Sarmiento led the signing of the memorandum yesterday with Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cebu City Chapter represented by lawyer Briccio, Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cebu province chapter headed by lawyer Noel Adlawan, University of San Jose-Recoletos Faculty of Law represented by lawyer Jonathan Capanas, University of Cebu College of Law represented by dean Baldomero Estenzo, University of Cebu Law Students Society headed by Mark Anthony Gaviola, Lex Circle headed by Kirk Repollo, Save Tañon Strait Citizens Movement headed by lawyer Gloria Estenzo Ramos, Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center, Inc. headed by Vince Cinches.

Sarmiento told reporters that the signing was very historical because it was first of its kind in the Philippines.

According to Sarmiento, it was a welcomed development for the Comelec because of the active participation of different sectors in Cebu in educating the public on the importance of the next political exercises. Ramos, on the other hand, said there is a need for them to work hand in hand for the good of the country, especially during elections.

The Comelec issued Resolution No. 8514 for the resumption of the registration of voters from December 2, 2008 to December 15, 2009.

IBP and other groups have offered their services to Comelec to help effect a more efficient, widely participated and systematic registration for voters during the registration period.

They are also willing to harness their individual resources to be the Comelec partners in the voter’s education program. — Jose P. Sollano/LPM (THE FREEMAN)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/groups-comelec-agree-help-voters

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) and various groups yesterday signed a memorandum of agreement to wage a campaign on voter education.

Several civic and academic institutions and non-government organizations and the Comelec entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to “help effect a more efficient, widely participated and systematic” registration of voters, which officially starts on Dec. 2, 2008 to Dec. 15, 2009.
Milestone

Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento said the move is a “milestone” for the poll body since it is a show of concern among private and civic sectors who realize the need for an efficient registration of voters.

“We welcome this development and I am looking forward for other groups to also enter into a MOA with Comelec,” Sarmiento told reporters after signing the agreement at the Cebu Grand Hotel.

“This (signing of MOA) is a milestone since this will encourage the youth to register and vote and make a difference in the 2010 elections,” said Sarmiento.

Parties who signed the MOA include the provincial and city chapters of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in Cebu, several law schools and non-government organizations.

“The Comelec is doing its best in initiating electoral reforms with the help of the public so that we’ll have credible elections,” said Sarmiento.

The Comelec recently announced that the continuing registration of voters nationwide for the 2010 presidential election, except in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), shall resume on Dec. 2, 2008 until Dec. 15, 2009.
Biometrics

In a resolution promulgated in Nov. 12, 2008, the Comelec en banc ruled to adopt the use of biometrics technology for the purpose of “establishing a clean, complete, permanent and updated list of voters.”

But Sarmiento said his office is yet to receive a recommendation from the advisory council on what technology will be used in the 2010 poll.

He said the next election will certainly be automated as a compliance with the law.
“We are waiting for Congress to approve our proposed budget of P21 billion,” said Sarmiento.

Under the agreement, Comelec will provide its partner institutions with available information, materials, and paraphernalia to help educate registrants and voters.

During the registration of voters, the resolution said that applicants should personally file their applications at the Office of the Election Officer in their respective cities and municipalities during office hours on the above dates.

The resolution also stated that the persons who may register to vote for the upcoming 2010 elections must have the following requirements: (1) At least eighteen (18)
years of age; (2) A resident of the Philippines for at least a year and in the place wherein he proposes to vote for at least six (6) months on or before the day of the election; and (3) Not otherwise disqualified by law.

The resolution also provided that persons who have not yet turned 18 or have complied with the residency requirement during the period for registration, but will possess the same on or before the day of election (May 10, 2010 National and Local Elections), may register as a voter. (GMD)

For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here.

DAGHANG SALAMAT! THANK YOU

We would like to thank all the organizations who participated in the recent International Fact-Finding Mission in Central Visayas last October 20 – 23, 2008.

Partnerships will always result to success and victories

1. BOKKANA – BOHOL
2. KINABUHI BOHOL
3. PANGLAO FISHERFOLKS ORGANIZATION
4. TUBIGON FISHERFOLKS ORGANIZATION
5. SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY JUSTICE AND PEACE CENTER
6. SAN ISIDRO SMALL FISHERFOLKS ORGANIZATION – BAIS CITY, NEGROS ORIENTAL
7. CITIZENS ALLIANCE FOR RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT – NEGROS ORIENTAL
8. ESCALANTE FISHERFOLKS ORGANIZATION – NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
9. NEGROS OCCIDENTAL FISHERFOLKS FORUM
10. UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS
11. UNIVERSITY OF CEBU
12. SAVE TANON STRAIT CITIZENS MOVEMENT
13. FARMERS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
14. COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT RESOURCE NETWORK
15. CEBU RELIEF AND REHABILITATION CENTER
16. PAMANA SUGBO – FISHERFOLK FEDERATION OF CEBU
17. ALLIANCE OF FISHERFOLKS AGAINST OFF-SHORE MINING IN THE 3RD DISTRICT (AFAOM)
18. ALLIANCE OF FISHERFOLKS AGAINST NORASIAN (AMBAHAN)
19. KAKASAKA SUGBO
20. ALLIANCE OF TOLEDANONS AGAINST COAL-ASH (ACT AGAINST COAL ASH)
21. CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS (CEC PHILIPPINES)
22. KALIKASAN PEOPLE’S NETWORK FOR THE ENVIRONMENT (KPNE)
23. JATAM – NATIONAL ANTI-MINING ADVOCACY IN INDONESIA
24. SOUTH-EAST ASIA OILWATCH
25. PEOPLE’S COALITION FOR FOOD SOVEREIGNTY (PCFS) MALAYSIA
26. PESTICIDES ACTION NETWORK ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (PAN AP)
27. FEDERATION OF SOUTHERN FISHERFOLKS IN THAILAND

Lawyers join call to stop oil drilling

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/news/view_article.php?article_id=173883

Lawyers join call to stop oil drilling

Cebu Daily News
First Posted 08:13am (Mla time) 11/23/2008
ANOTHER voice was added to the opposition against drilling for natural oil and gas in south Cebu proposed by a foreign firm.

The Cebu Provincial Board approved on Nov. 17 a resolution supporting the call of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Cebu chapter to stop the oil exploration project of Norasian Corp. Ltd. off the coastal waters of Sibonga and Argao towns “unless it can prove that the project does not destroy the environment.”

The PB said it wanted to be certain that all legal requirements for the conduct of oil exploration are met and that consultation is conducted with the affected fisherfolk.

PB Member Victor Maambong, the resolution sponsor, said that while Cebu “urgently needs to develop our own sources of energy especially in this critical time of global economic crisis, it must be done with the least possible damage to our environment and with utmost respect to the human rights of the marginalized members of the community who stand to be adversely affected by this development.”

Sibonga Mayor Lionel Bacaltos said that he too was against the conduct of an oil drilling unless consultation is done with the affected fisherfolk and compensation is assured for them for any inconvenience suffered during the exploration.

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia ordered the suspension of the oil exploration by Norasian in the absence of consultation with the affected Local Government Units (LGU) and fisherfolk.

The Department of Energy (DOE) drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that stipulates the foreign firm’s responsibilities to the affected LGU and fishermen.

Mayor Balcatos said he is not inclined to sign this.

“They haven’t come here yet for a consultation. I will not sign the MOU and the governor said that she will not lift the suspension order unless there is consultation,” he said.
Maambong said in his resolution that Norasia failed to secure permits from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Earlier an EMB official said that the exploration was “exemptable” based on DOE administrative order no. 30 which was passed in 2006.

“Fisherfolk in the towns of Argao and Sibonga, Cebu are complaining that their livelihood is affected by the oil exploration project, more so, that they are also experiencing harassment from both the government and private sectors,” said Maambong’s resolution. REPORTER DORIS C. BONGCAC

Energy officials face suit

Energy officials face suit
By Vincent Mayol, Carine M. Asutilla
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 02:18pm (Mla time) 11/19/2008

CEBU CITY, Philippines - A group of environmentalists on Tuesday filed a complaint at the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas against officials of the Department of Energy in Central Visayas for allegedly denying them entry into the DOE-7 offices last Friday.

Environment lawyers Gloria Estenzo Ramos and Benjamin Cabrido led members of the Save Tañon Strait Citizens’ Movement in filing the complaint for violation of citizen’s rights and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials.

DOE-7 director Antonio Labios and Energy Industry Management Chief Saul Gonzales were named as respondents.

The complaint stated that the group went to the DOE-7 office along Osmeña Boulevard last Friday to deliver a demand letter and “hopefully discuss” with energy officials the complaints of fisherfolk from the town of Sibonga, southern Cebu, over offshore oil exploration in the town’s waters.

The complainants said the guard of the Metrobank Building’s lobby stopped the group from entering the building.

The guard called the DOE-7 office and informed them of the group’s presence. The guard later told the group that Labios was not around and that the group was not allowed to proceed to the DOE-7 office on the 11th floor.

The guard allegedly threatened to turn off the power to the elevators if they insisted on going up.

Cabrido talked with someone from the DOE-7 office through the guard’s phone. The DOE-7 personnel told Cabrido that he was not authorized to receive the letter.

The guard later told the group that only two people could proceed to the DOE-7 office.

Ramos, however, insisted that if the group could not go up to the office, then someone from DOE-7 should come down and meet the group.

Gonzales, who served as acting DOE-7 director in Labios’ absence, later came out and received the letter. He also explained that the group was not allowed up because the DOE-7 office was too small to accommodate them.

The complainants, however, said they were treated with “gross disrespect and subjected to humiliation and indignity.”

Ramos said their rights were violated because government officials were supposed to make the lives of people better through service.

She described the DOE-7 officials’ actions as “unprofessional, discriminatory, unjust discourteous and callous.”

Cabrido said that as a public office, DOE-7 should allow the public to enter their offices.

Cabrido said the group was considering filing a complaint against the DOE-7 officials with the Civil Service Commission. He said he would ask the commission to subject DOE-7 officials and employees to a seminar on conduct and what it is to be a public servant.

Gov't needs to pursue oil explorations at sea: DOE

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/gov’t-needs-pursue-oil-explorations-sea-doe

Gov't needs to pursue oil explorations at sea: DOE

AMID protests by some sectors, the government will continue to pursue oil exploration at sea to reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel. This is also in line with the country’s policy called the Philippine Energy Independence.

Department of Energy Visayas Director Antonio Labios explained this to members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines during a dialogue.

Labios said several sectors have been badly affected by the rise in the price of imported fuel in the past few months.

The hardest hit is the transport sector, which consumes 35 percent of the fuel supply.

“Our dependence on oil can trigger all economic happenings and the implications of any oil crisis include high cost of production, high fares and high salary rates. So, we are doing our best to find our own energy supply,” Labios said.

He said the reason DOE is in the frontline of the oil drilling projects is that the state owns the energy resources and his agency has the mandate to issue service contracts.

In the case of oil exploration in the Cebu-Bohol Strait, Labios said Nor-Asian is the service contractor, through the Philippine Energy Contracting Ground on oil.

Lawyer Gloria Estenzo-Ramos of the Save Tañon Strait Citizens Movement questioned the oil exploration of Nor-Asian because it will allegedly destroy the environment and will displace fisherfolk in the southern towns of Sibonga and Argao.

Labios said that before a service contract is issued, the DOE checks the contractor’s records of environmental compliance in previous projects. Once a service contract is issued, the contractor must have a detailed program on the exploration activities.

Fisherfolk

On the other hand, Provincial Board Member Peter Calderon said the Province has nothing against oil exploration as long as it is environmentally compliant and concerns of the fisherfolk are addressed.

Calderon said the National Government must refrain from implementing projects that jeopardizes the livelihood of fishermen.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lemuel Aragones, a mammal scientist from Siliman University, said Tañon Strait between Cebu and Oriental Negros and the Cebu-Bohol Strait between Cebu and Bohol are equally important bodies of water for marine mammals, particularly dolphins and whales.

Aragones said Tañon Strait and Cebu-Bohol Strait are important fishing grounds. (EOB)

For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here.(November 16, 2008 issue)Write letter to the editor.Click here.

Group: Food shortage if oil drilling continues

http://beta2.philstar.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=415534&publicationSubCategoryId=107

Group: Food shortage if oil drilling continues
Updated November 15, 2008 12:00 AM

CEBU - An environmental group yesterday warned of a possible food shortage if the oil drilling activities in the seas in Central Visayas continue.



Vince Cinches, one of the convenors of the Save Tañon Strait Citizens Movement, said the fish supply and marine resources in Central Visayas have been affected by the continuing oil and gas exploratory activities.



In a press conference, Cinches said that 52 percent of the animal daily protein requirement comes from fishes and these animals will suffer once the oil drillings are not stopped.



And once the marine mammals are affected, he explained humans will also suffer because many people in Cebu depend on fishing for their food and livelihood.



Reports said that more than 400,000 Cebuanos and inhabitants of other Central Visayas provinces engaged in the fishing industry are affected by the oil exploration that is being conducted by NorAsian in the waters of Argao and Sibonga.



“It’s too much, the waters of Central Visayas are surrounded by service contracts for different oil companies to identify, develop and distribute oil resources,” Cinches said.



“The Central Visayas is the epicenter of global marine shore fish diversity and has the richest concentration of marine life in the whole planet,” he added.



With the oil explorations, Cinches pointed out that it is expected that the local marine ecosystem would be adversely affected.

NorAsian Energy Ltd., an Australian oil exploration company with three service contracts in the Philippines, is currently conducting explorations in the waters of Bohol Strait off the coasts of Argao and Sibonga to find out if the amount of fossil fuel in the area is commercially viable.



Cinches claimed the granting of service contracts to the foreign oil companies will not help the country and the local economy because of the tax holidays and other privileges granted to the foreign companies under the outdated Presidential Decree No. 87 of 1972 or the Service Contract Law. — Jasmin R. Uy/WAB (THE FREEMAN)

Save Tañon group wants GMA to stop oil drilling

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/save-tañ-group-wants-gma-stop-oil-drilling

Save Tañon group wants GMA to stop oil drilling

LEADERS of the Save Tañon Strait Citizens Movement (STSCM) celebrated their first anniversary as a group yesterday and urged President Arroyo to stop oil drilling in the waters of the Visayas.

Lawyer Gloria Estenzo-Ramos said that as an early Christmas gift to Arroyo, they will send her a book entitled “Go Easy on the Sea” with confidence that once the President reads it, she will realize that preserving the sea is more important than oil drilling.

“Why would government insist on an oil drilling project when it pollutes the environment and adds to the greenhouse gas, which causes climate change? Let us do our share as member of the global community in reducing carbon emission” Estenzo-Ramos said.

She hopes the government will listen to them, considering that the country is a signatory to different international conventions affirming our mission and help to attain sustainable development.

Committed

Estenzo-Ramos said the Philippines is also a member of a group of nations that is committed to support the Millennium Development Goals to reduce poverty by 50 percent by the year 2015.

“We have only seven years to go but we are contributing to the displacements of fisherfolk. So how can we possibly attain this goal of reducing poverty and promoting ecological sustainability? That is why government officials must listen to the grievances of the people”, Estenzo-Ramos said.

Seismic survey

As this developed, the fisherfolk of Argao and Sibonga towns, who are supported by STSCM, have vowed to fight against oil drilling in the Cebu-Bohol Strait. The seismic survey was recently conducted by Nor-Asian Energy Limited.

Lawyer Benjamin Cabrido said the govern-ment’s oil drilling encroaches on the livelihood of the fishermen. This violates their first Bill of Rights, which is the right to life.
“That cannot be bargained away. They are taking away the livelihood of the fisherfolk in Argao and Sibonga,” he said.

He said that there are two conflicting interests in the Argao-Sibonga project. Whether the life and livelihood of the fisherfolk take precedence over national projects—the so-called independent energy development program of the government—is now a legal issue.

“Enough is enough for protests. It is now high time to elevate this issue to the court, especially the Supreme Court, to resolve whether a government project will prevail over the right to life,” Cabrido said. (EOB)

For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here.(November 15, 2008 issue)Write letter to the editor.Click here.

Environmentalists barred

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/news/view/20081115-172395/Environmentalists-barred

Environmentalists barred
By Carine M. Asutilla
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 09:15:00 11/15/2008

Members of the Save Tañon Strait Citizens’ Movement were disappointed when they were not allowed to go inside the office of the Department of Energy in Central Visayas (DOE-7) yesterday to personally hand the fisherfolk's testimonial letter to Regional Director Antonio Labios.

They were met by Saul Gonzales, DOE officer-in-charge, at the lobby. He told them that Labios was not around and that their office could not accommodate too many people inside including members of the media.



Because of office space constraints, Gonzales said they could only accommodate a representative from the group.

He received and signed the letter for Labios.



Vince Cinches of the Fisherfolk Development Center said his group was dismayed by DOE's refusal.



He said that as a public office, anyone can go inside and transact their business.



The letter was penned by members of the Alyansa sa mga Mangingisda Batok sa hulga sa NorAsian and Panghiusa sa Gagmay’ng Mangingisda sa Sugbo.



The fisherfolk wrote that when a seismic survey was conducted in their area for 10 days in July 2007, they had meager fish catch for about five months.



In August this year, a site location survey was conducted in their area by NorAsian and DOE, which resulted to the loss of their payaos (fish pens).

Benjamin Cabrido, environmental lawyer, said the group had exhausted all efforts to protect Cebu Strait as well as the Tañon Strait outside litigation.



He said that it is high time to bring the matter to the courts.



A notice to sue was issued to NorAsian and DOE and asked them to leave the waters of Sibonga and Argao towns.



Cabrido said that the oil exploration encroaches on the livelihood of fishermen, thus violating their bill of rights, which is the right to life.



Gloria Ramos, another environmental lawyer, said the Philippines also violated some international laws that the country is a signatory of such as the Millennium Development Goals that aims to reduce poverty by 50 percent by 2015.



She said that taking away the livelihood of the fishermen was a threat to food security and can increase the percentage of poverty in no time.

Fishermen assured amid oil exploration

Fishermen assured amid oil exploration
By Bernadette Parco
Cebu Daily News

First Posted 09:55:00 11/13/2008

Fisherfolks in the towns of Argao and Sibonga whose livelihood was affected by the ongoing oil exploration activities in their area were told to resume fishing following a dialogue with the Commission on Human Rights in Central Visayas (CHR-7) yesterday.

“I told them to go back to fishing,” Alejandro Alonzo, CHR-7 Regional Director, told after the more than two-hour dialog between the agency and the fisherfolks.

The fisherfolks complained that the pollution caused by the oil exploration activities done by NorAsia Energy Ltd in Argao and Sibonga reduced their fish catch.

They alleged that their fish catch had already been depleted by the encroachment of commercial fishers in their areas.

“There were also military personnel who told us that they were concerned about the presence of leaders of non-government organizations who are communists,” said Anselmo Somuran, vice chairman of the Simala Bantay Dagat Association in Sibonga.

Alonzo asked Regional Director Antonio Labios of the Department of Energy in Central Visayas (DoE-7) to review the list of names of Argao and Sibonga residents who were given financial assistance.

Labios said the DoE-7 made a list and distributed the financial assistance. He said they would review the list anew and give assistance to others affected by the project.

Labios said the oil exploration activity is part of the government's goal to reduce the country's dependency on foreign oil.

He also said their agency screens all companies to determine their compliance with environmental standards.

Maj. Bart Pade of the Judge Advocate General Office, said an officer of the 78th Infantry Battalion of Central Command denied allegations of military harassment on the fisherfolks during their protest.

“I will refer this to the 78th IB. It is possible that there will be an investigation on this (matter),” Pade told .

Dolphins' lawsuit vs. state agencies moves on

http://sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/11/01/news/dolphins.lawsuit.vs..state.agencies.moves.on.html



Saturday, November 01, 2008
Dolphins' lawsuit vs. state agencies moves on

DOLPHINS and other mammals who oppose attempts to drill for oil in the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape need to spell out their arguments in a formal memo, the Supreme Court (SC) ordered.

In a Sept. 23 letter to all the parties, the SC resolved to give due course to two petitions filed against government agencies and officials, as well as a Japanese company.

Both petitions concerned the exploratory drilling for oil in Tañon Strait, off the coasts of Pinamungajan and Aloguinsan towns.

Dolphins, toothed whales, porpoises and other cetacean species are represented in the suit by lawyers Gloria Estenzo-Ramos and Liza Osorio. The Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center (Fidec) is the petitioner in the other case.

Named respondents were Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Angelo Reyes, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Jose L. Atienza, Department of Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap, DENR 7 Director Leonardo R. Sibbaluca, and the Japan Petroleum Exploration Co. Ltd. (Japex), represented by its Philippine agent, Supply Oilfield Services.

Japex conducted the exploratory drilling from late last year until early this year.

In an earlier interview, Atty. Ramos explained that giving due course to the petition of the mammals meant that they were treated like normal, human petitioners.

The parties are given 30 days from receipt of the resolution to file their memoranda.

Each memorandum, according to the resolution, will contain a “statement of the case;” a summary of the proceedings; the challenged decision, resolution or order of the court; the nature of the judgment and other matters necessary to an understanding of the nature of the controversy.

“No new issues may be raised by a party in (the) memorandum, and the issues raised in pleadings but not included in the memorandum shall be deemed waived or abandoned. Being a summation of the parties’ previous pleadings, the court may consider the memorandum alone in deciding or resolving these petitions,” the resolution also read.

Livelihood

The mammals’ lawyers have said their habitat was destroyed by the oil exploration, while the fishermen said they lost their livelihood.

Lawyer Dante Ramos is representing Fidec, while Benjamin Cabrido represents the mammals.

They are the same lawyers who represent the Bantayan Group of Islands in a suit against DENR, over the allegedly indiscriminate issuance of environmental compliance certificates (ECCs) in the island. They argued that some businesses covered by ECCs may be detrimental to the environment of Bantayan, a protected area as declared by a presidential proclamation. (JGA)

_____________________

IBP seeks dialogue with LGUs over ‘harassment’ in 2 towns

http://sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/11/03/news/ibp.seeks.dialogue.with.lgus.over.harassment.in.2.towns.html



Monday, November 03, 2008
IBP seeks dialogue with LGUs over ‘harassment’ in 2 towns


THE Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Cebu Chapter wants a dialogue with local government officials regarding the alleged harassment in the southern towns in relation to the exploratory drilling by Australia’s Nor-Asian Energy Ltd.

Sibonga and Argao fishermen have protested against Nor-Asian’s exploration for oil and gas deposits in Bohol Strait, which also includes the municipal waters of Sibonga and Argao.

Fishermen reported that members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police were “harassing” them for their protest actions.

“We are peace-loving citizens in Cebu who are also officers of the court, mandated by our oath to promote the administration of justice and to protect human rights, especially of those who have no voice in governance. We are committed to protect them,” lawyer Gloria Estenzo-Ramos said in a draft letter about the abuses allegedly inflicted on the fishers.

The letter will be signed by officers of the IBP-Cebu City Chapter headed by its president Noel Adlawan. Ramos is one of the group’s directors.

The letter will be sent to Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Vice Gov. Gregorio Sanchez, Sibonga Mayor Lionel Bacaltos and Argao Mayor Edsel Galeos.

The letter is also addressed to Department of Energy 7 Director Antonio Labios, Lt. Gen. Pedro Insierto of the AFP Central Command, Commodore Rolando Dizon of the Coast Guard and Commission on Human Rights 7 Director Alejandro Alonzo.

The subject of the letter read: “Harassment of residents in Argao and Sibonga.”

In a protest action last week, Fisherfolks Development Center (Fidec) executive director Vince Cinches claimed that the police and military threatened the protesters with arrest when they were only airing their grievances.

Victor Lapaz, chairman of the Panaghugpong sa Gagmayng Mangingisda sa Sugbo (Pamana-Sugbo), related last week that armed men in civilian clothing confiscated placards and streamers while uniformed policemen from the Cebu Provincial Police Office and soldiers from the 78th Infantry Battalion looked on.

The IBP-Cebu Chapter is alarmed by such reports.

According to the letter, last Oct. 16, military men with long firearms searched members of a band during a fluvial activity that the fishermen organized as a protest.

There were also reports, the IBP said, that the Coast Guard ordered the fishermen off the fishing grounds.

“Recently, men in civilian clothing arrived in vans and started asking people in the community about the whereabouts of leaders of the people’s organizations in the area,” the IBP Cebu Chapter also noted.

IBP also mentioned the government’s constitutional mandate to preserve traditional fishing grounds for the subsistence of small-town fisherfolk.

Argao and Sibonga fishermen, just like those in Toledo, Pinamungajan and Aloguinsan last year, claimed that the drilling will reduce their catch.

The IBP also criticized Nor-Asian’s lack of resolutions from the different local government units to conduct the exploration.

IBP-Cebu noted the “seeming lack of appreciation by the local chief executives of the crucial role they play in environmental and human rights protection and in the enforcement of fisheries laws.”

The lawyers said they want a discussion with all stakeholders to protect the fishers from the loss of livelihood and against further harassment, as they claimed. (JGA)

For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here.

Int’l Mission: Off-shore Mining Violates Fisherfolk’s Right to Food and Livelihood

http://bulatlat.com/main/2008/10/25/int’l-mission-off-shore-mining-violates-fisherfolk’s-right-to-food-and-livelihood/

Int’l Mission: Off-shore Mining Violates Fisherfolk’s Right to Food and Livelihood
PUBLISHED ON OCTOBER 25, 2008 AT 5:41 PM SHARETHIS | PRINT THIS


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Golden Lessons of Lubo


An international fact-finding body, which recently visited communities affected by the off-shore oil and gas exploration along the Cebu-Bohol strait, revealed that the exploration would be detrimental to the livelihood of the fisherfolks in the area.

BY RITCHE T. SALGADO
Contributor
Bulatlat

An international fact-finding body, which recently visited communities affected by the offshore oil and gas exploration along the Cebu-Bohol strait, revealed that the exploration would be detrimental to the livelihood of the fisherfolks in the area.
The offshore mining exploration is being undertaken by the Department of Energy (DoE) and Australian company, NorAsian Energy Ltd.

Vince Cinches, executive director of the Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center, Inc. (FIDEC) and a delegate of the International Fact-Finding Mission sponsored by the Pesticide Action Network Asia and the Pacific (PAN AP), revealed that in all the communities they visited in Pinamungajan, Aloguinsan, Argao and Sibonga, there has been a 70 to 80 percent reduction in fish catch. Because of the reduction in income, children of many fisherfolks have stopped schooling, while others are getting sick because of malnutrition.

Other delegates of the IFFM are Andry Wijaya of Jatam-Indonesia and the Oil Watch Southeast Asia; Teh Chun Hong of PAN AP; Wichoksak Ronnarongpairee and Busarin Pandit of the Federation of Southern Fisherfolk (Thailand); Gilbert Sape of the People’s Coalition on Food Sovereignty (PCFS); and, Meggie Nolasco of Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment (Philippines).

Cinches, who is also co-convenor of the environmental group Save Tañon Strait Citizens’ Movement (STSCM) pointed out that the Visayas is the epicenter of global marine shorefish diversity with the “richest concentration of marine life in the entire planet.”

He said that the presence of NorAsian or JAPEX, is detrimental to the marine biodiversity in the area as the sonic boom from the air gun used in the seismic survey would result in damage to the body tissues of marine organisms, including their reproductive systems.

In addition, the noise that would be made could alter the distribution of fish by tens of kilometers.

“You should keep the oil underground and let fisherfolks have their means of livelihood,” said Andry Wijaya of Jatam-Indonesia and Oil Watch Southeast Asia (Indonesia).

Atty. Gloria Estenzo-Ramos of STSCM asserted that drilling is a violation of the concept of social justice as provided for by the constitution. She added that the fisherfolks should have the supreme right to the use of fishing grounds.

Cinches said that because of strong opposition from different local governments in Bohol and the affected communities, NorAsian was forced to transfer their base of operations in Cebu by mid 2007. He said that Cebuanos should not permit what the Boholanos have rejected.

Paulita Destor of Bol-anong Kahugpungan sa mga Kabus nga Mananagat (Bokkana-Bohol) said that the exploration along the Cebu-Bohol Strait should be stopped as this would destroy the rich marine resources of the strait. This in turn would further bring the fisherfolks deeper into poverty.

Representatives from oil-producing countries Malaysia and Indonesia claimed that the presence of oil producing companies would not help in the country’s economy.
“Malaysia is a petroleum exporting country,” said Teh Chung Hong of Malaysia-based PAN-AP. “Forty percent of our income is from petroleum. But despite this our country still imposed a forty percent increase in the price of oil. Malaysia’s experience is that petroleum money will not bring benefit to people, even for oil-producing countries,” he said.

He further cited the example of Sarawak and Teranganu, which produces most of Malaysia’s oil. He said that these two states are also Malaysia’s poorest.


In response, Antonio E. Labios, regional director of the Department of Energy (DoE) Visayas Field Office, said that the claims of the fisherfolks regarding the reduction in fish catch is yet to be validated and substantiated by scientific studies.
Cinches said that Cebuanos should not wait for scientific studies to be made for this claim to be substantiated as the experience of the fisherfolks is enough evidence to prove the ill-effects of the survey.

Labios said that 12 of the 14 barangays of Argao have passed resolutions endorsing the project and that meetings with the mayors of Argao and Sibonga, as well as that of the governor have shown that they are supportive with the project. “We just have to address the issues of the fisherfolks,” he said.

However, the four-day IFFM further discovered that the communities as well as local government officials were not consulted by the mining companies before entering the seas, in violation of several Philippine laws. It was also disturbed by reports that some local government officials are involved in unethical relations with the mining companies and that the military has been deployed in certain areas to intimidate and quell the growing citizens’ movement against off-shore mining.

Labios further claimed that based on their consultation with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) is not required for NorAsian to conduct the survey as said document is only needed once production is started.
Regardless, NorAsian and JAPEX did their best to comply with environmental guidelines, which includes consultation with various stakeholders, claimed Labios.

Labios said that they would soon be signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Municipalities of Argao and Sibonga so as to lift the recent cease and desist order imposed by the provincial government of Cebu as per Executive Order No. 09 signed by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Labios said that the purpose of the seismic survey is to minimize if not eliminate the environmental impact once the oil drilling is started.
“The DoE and the service contractor do not shy away in addressing the concern of the fisherfolk,” Labios said.

“It is disturbing to know that the Philippine government is hell-bent on pursuing these so-called energy development projects despite the overwhelming opposition of citizens, especially the poor fisherfolk who are the most affected. We have seen in Asia and many parts of the globe that at the end of the day, these would only benefit the companies and corrupt government officials. History shows that oil doesn’t translate to wealth of the people,” said Sape of the People’s Coalition on Food Sovereignty (PCFS). (Bulatlat.com)

NGO: Stop oil, gas search in Argao

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/news/view/20081023-167990/NGO-Stop-oil-gas-search-in-Argao

NGO: Stop oil, gas search in Argao
By Ma. Bernadette A. Parco
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 08:51:00 10/23/2008

A fact-finding monitoring team composed of non-government organizations (NGO) from Asian countries called on the national government to end oil exploration activities in the Visayas.

In their manifesto, the Mining Network and Oil Watch-Southeast Asia said they denounce the “unconstitutionality of the oil and gas exploration activities” in Central Visayas as experienced by the affected fisherfolks and their families.

Convenor Andry Wijaya said fisherfolks and their families were displaced as a result of the offshore drilling.

“Their children no longer go to school as a result of the reduced fish catch,” he said.

The team announced the results of a study co-sponsored by the Pesticide Action Network in Asia and the Pacific (PAN-AP) and the Fisherfolks Development Center (Fidec).

He also scored the failure or refusal of the government agencies to enforce the law.

The study done in the Cebu towns of Pinamungajan, Aloguinsan, Argao and Sibonga centered on the effects of offshore mining done by Japex Philippines Inc. on Tañon Strait and NorAsian at the Cebu-Bohol Strait.

Fidec director Vince Cinches said the fisherfolk in Pinamungajan and Aloguinsan towns told the team that their fish catch didn't improve even after Japex left the area.

He said the fishermen only catch one to two kilos of fish per day, a sharp drop from the 15 to 20 kilos caught per day prior to the seismic survey and drilling operations in 2005 and 2007.

Argao fisherfolk also reported a decrease in fish yield due to the oil exploration activities of NorAsian Energy Ltd. at the Cebu-Bohol Strait, Cinches added.

Regional Director Antonio Labios of the Department of Energy in Central Visayas (DOE-7) said the agency is validating the claims of fisherfolk that their livelihood is affected by the NorAsian oil exploration activities.

“Fish catch, according to the fishermen, is also affected by the season. The decrease in fish yield could also be permanent or temporary. We have to find that out,” he told reporters yesterday.

“We would get baseline data from the municipal fisheries and the BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources),” Labios said.

Labios said the target of the project is Argao town and that the agency already secured approval from 11 out of 14 barangays in the town.

Labios also admitted that there was no public consultation conducted on the NorAsian project.

“Oil exploration is not yet covered by the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system, so there is no consultation required (for the activity),” the regional DOE-7 director said.

International Fact-Finding Mission Team joint manifestation - STOP OIL EXPLORATION NOW!

STOP OIL EXPLORATION NOW!

We are brothers and sisters from the ASEAN Region bonded by a shared aspiration and sentiment - that of a world where our rights to life, livelihood, health, safety, and a healthy environment are respected, not just by government but by fellow humans, and entities, denounce the oil and gas exploration activities by foreign transnational corporations as pushed by the national government and its agencies and call for the stoppage of these activities.

We appeal to the government to seriously integrate sustainability in its programs and projects and do away with the policy of double speak. Mouthing calls for the people to reduce energy consumption and the use of fossil fuels while heavily promoting offshore drilling and mining is a clear example.

So much is at stake. The poorest of the poor - the small fisherfolks, farmers and their families- are suffering the most as a result of the displacement caused by offshore drilling and the failure or refusal of government agencies to enforce the laws. Their children no longer go to school as a result of the reduced fish catch and the loss of soil fertility of due to agricultural policies that promote the use of harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticide. There is so much anxiety for what the future holds for them. They too deserve a life of dignity and honor.

In our stay here, we verify the studies conducted by different scientific groups and fact-finding missions, as attestation to the direct experiences of fisherfolk and coastal area residents of Central Visayas. It has already been established that oil and gas and exploration activities have grave negative impacts on the environment and ultimately on the livelihood and welfare of those affected.

We denounce the unconstitutionality of the oil and gas exploration activities and their intrusion on the municipal waters and bypassing the authority of local government units and apparent lack of environmental safeguards.

We condemn the underhanded methods and human rights violations of the corporations, which include legal and military harassments to those opposing the projects, with the permission of the national government to take advantage of the natural resources.
Sustainable programs such as sustainable agriculture and authentic eco-tourism participated in by the community should be mainstreamed. Sustainability is the key to full human development, and not-dole outs, which encourage corruption, dependency and political patronage.

Oil Exploration does not bring economic prosperity to hosts communities, as experienced by our colleagues representing oil producing countries and it is a warning that we as local people should heed. Oil corporations and their backers in the DOE is only deceiving the Visayans.

We call on the government and stakeholders to craft and implement measures to reduce oil dependency and carbon emission, and to mitigate the impact of climate change. Residents of developing nations such as the Philippines are its worst victims. Reducing our carbon imprints is a moral responsibility for all.

We are warning corporations that would attempt to drill and explore in Central Visayas in the future, that they will be met with intensified opposition from different sectors and organizations in the local, national and international level. We, the undersigned, will not tolerate these intended plunderers and exploiters of our natural resources and would exhaust all means to permanently bring an end to those that threaten of rob us of our sovereignty and patrimony.

The Rule of Law must remain paramount and prevail. Government has a duty to implement the social justice provisions of the Constitution and constantly safeguard the people’s rights. Militarization and imposing a culture of fear among the constituents is never the answer.

We demand for the accountability of the foreign corporations-name of companies- and the national government to pay the damages and give the victims just compensation for the days the company’s activities have affected them negatively up to the time the marine life and ecology goes back to its healthy state.



We immediately demand for the following:

1. Immediately Stop oil and gas exploration in Central Philippines and a moratorium on all future oil and gas exploration;

2. immediately pursue on-site congressional investigation to identify other violations the activity brought and to Make DOE, NorAsian, JAPEX, and others involve accountable for the havoc they brought in the communities in Cebu, Bohol, and Negros;

3. Stop Militarization in the communities of Argao and Sibonga;

4. Courts should make speedy resolutions to cases filed by the fisherfolks and marine mammals in Central Philippines and other legal cases aimed at protecting our resources from foreign plunder and dislocation of food producers.
In the era where global warming and climate change is threatening the survival of poor communities, it is irresponsible for corporations and government leaders to profit from the misery of poor Filipinos.

We call on our leaders to stop the havoc of oil and gas exploration.

Delegates, International Fact Finding Mission (October 19 – 23, 2008):

Meggie Nolasco, Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment (Philippines)

Andry Wijaya, Jatam-Indonesia and the Oil Watch Southeast Asia (Indonesia)

Teh Chung Hong, Pesticide Action Network Asia and the Pacific (Malaysia)

Gilbert Sape, People’s Coalition for Food Sovereignty (Malaysia)

Wichoksak Ronnarongpairee, Federation of Southern Fisherfolk (Thailand)

Busarin Pandit, Federation of Southern Fisherfolk (Thailand)

Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos (Philippines)

Michael Aliño (Philippines)

Vince Cinches (Philippines)

International Fact-Finding Mission

DOE SHOULD ACCEPT DEFEAT AND ABANDON OFF-SHORE OIL MINING.

PRESS RELEASE

October 16, 2008

DOE SHOULD ACCEPT DEFEAT AND ABANDON OFF-SHORE OIL MINING.
MAKE DOE AND NORASIAN ACCOUNTABLE NOW.

Executive Order Nos. 9, released by Gov. Gwen Garcia ordering the Department of Energy and it’s cohorts in destroying our marine environment and dislocating the rights of fisherfolks to stop it’s destructive activities is nevertheless a victory.

EO No. 9 should make these money hungry personnel to rethink the basis of their support to oil mining, and should start to make plans in pursuing the path to sustainable development and renewable energy.

We in our network, still stand firm that oil mining will compromise the integrity of our marine resources, bring irreparable damage to our ecosystem, threaten our food security, dislocate thousands of fisherfolks, and hasten global warming and climate change. We also re-affirm the studies of various economists that oil exploration will not solve Philippine oil supply crisis and the skyrocketing of petroleum prices, Philippine oil industry is deregulated and 90% of our oil is owned by foreign corporations such as SPEX, Chevron and Texaco.

However, we will work to make the impact of the Executive Order permanent and work for the total and absolute ban of oil mining activities in Central Philippines - the epicenter of global marine biodiversity.
This victory will not make us become complacent.

We demand that DOE and NorAsian be held accountable, it is high time that we need to enforce fully the strength of our law, by putting them behind bars and making them pay for the immediate and irreparable damage they have caused.

We congratulate the fisherfolks and our environmental network for their untiring work against DOE and NorAsian.

We already warned DOE and NorAsian from the start that they will suffer the same fate as JAPEX. They just don’t know how to listen.

Sincerely,
Vince A. A. Cinches
STSCM Co-convenor

Garcia orders DOE to stop exploration

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Local%20News&p=52&type=2&sec=70&aid=20081015170

photo by GIBBster at
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=governor%20gwen%20garcia&w=all&s=int

Local News

Garcia orders DOE to stop exploration

Thursday, October 16, 2008
Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia ordered the Department of Energy Regional Office-7 to halt the oil exploration surveys and other related works in the municipalities of Sibonga and Argao.

In her Executive Order No. 09, Garcia ordered the regional office of the DOE-7 to cease and desist from its activities until such time that required consultations shall be made and the legitimate concerns will be addressed.

“It is hereby ordered, the Department of Energy Regional Office 7, its officers, agents and all other persons acting for and on behalf, to cease and desist from continuing in the conduct of any and all oil exploration surveys and other related works in the seabed and seawaters of the municipalities of Argao and Sibonga, both of the Province of Cebu, until such time that the required consultations shall be made and all legitimate concerns of the concerned parties shall have been properly addressed,” Garcia said in her order.

The governor said the activities of the DOE were undertaken without consultation with all parties concerned, particularly the provincial government and the towns of Argao and Sibonga.

Garcia said that the activities have violated Section 2 of Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991.

Under the law, it was likewise the policy of the State to “require all national agencies and offices to conduct periodic consultations with appropriate local government units, non-governmental and people’s organizations, and other concerned sectors of the community before any project or program is implemented in their respective jurisdictions.”

In her executive order, Garcia also ordered the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and other law enforcement agencies of the government to implement the cease-and-desist order.

The DOE regional office, Cebu Provincial Police Office, Philippine Navy, and the Offices of the Mayor of the municipalities of Argao and Sibonga were furnished with copies of the said order.

“The activities of the DOE have greatly affected some fishermen in the area whose fishing implements/gears have been damaged and/or lost as a result, thereby greatly jeopardizing their only means of livelihood and their future,” Garcia’s order further read.

The fishermen have already complained that they were “driven away every time the vessel carrying survey equipment would pass through their town’s waters.” They said that a vessel of the Coast Guard would reportedly often lead the survey vessel.

NorAsia, an Australian oil and gas explorer, will fund and operate oil and gas exploration activities in the tradition of Tañon Strait offshore mining including Cebu-Bohol Strait and Argao, which is the latest target for oil drilling.

Seismic surveys were first conducted in the waters off the coastal barangays of Simala, Bagakay, Bahay, and Poblacion last year.

The company reportedly gave financial assistance worth P1,500 each to at least 200 fishermen who were asked to temporarily leave the survey area. Owners of fish traps were paid P8,000 to P10,000 each. —Garry B. Lao/MEEV

Gwen to NorAsia, DOE

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/news/view/20081010-165703/Gwen-to-NorAsia-DOE

Gwen to NorAsia, DOE
‘Address concerns before ocean surveys’
By Doris C. Bongcac
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 13:44:00 10/10/2008
Most Read

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said yesterday that she would not allow the conduct of oceanographic surveys in the seas off Argao and Sibonga unless concerns raised on the conduct of these surveys are addressed.

Apologies by Department of Energy in Central Visayas (DOE-7) regional director Antonio Labios and NorAsia Energy Ltd. representatives did little to appease the irate governor during a meeting yesterday.

“No more surveys unless you come up with and show us a clear system wherein there will be no more miscommunication,” Garcia told Labios and NorAsia officials.

“You will coordinate and (you will give) immediate compensation to the affected fisher folks.”

Garcia also warned that continued disregard of local concerns will affect NorAsia's “future relationships” with the province.

The governor met DOE-7 and NorAsia officials in a closed-door meeting yesterday at the governor’s conference room at the Cebu Provincial Capitol. The meting was also attended by Argao Mayor Edsel Galeos and Sibonga Mayor Lionel Bacaltos.

Garcia reprimanded NorAsia officials, led by Kristoffer Fellowes, and energy officials on their failure to properly coordinate with the two mayors in conducting oil exploration surveys last month.

Garcia ordered the surveys suspended on Sept. 22.

“You just sent us letters (to inform us of your activities). Is that the way you operate?” Garcia asked.

Labios, said there was a simple “miscommunication” in DOE’s dealings with Galeos and Bacaltos.

The national government, through the DOE, supervised the conduct of the oceanographic surveys, which were preludes to exploratory drilling that NorAsia plans to implement early next year.

The foreign company is in search of oil and gas deposits in the coastal waters of southeastern Cebu.

Letters were sent to Garcia, Galeos and Bacaltos on Sept. 1 informing them of the oceanographic survey.

The next day, a site survey was conducted in Argao waters. On Sept. 4, the survey moved to Sibonga.

The survey resulted in the relocation of payao or floating fish traps of some fishermen because these were blocking the way of the survey vessels.

Bacaltos said he cautioned DOE-7 that the survey should not be conducted unless the concerns of affected fishermen were addressed.

He said the only reply he was given was that the regional office would refer the matter to its national office.

Galeos, for his part, said fishermen in Argao wanted to be compensated for their lost income.

“Almost all of our coastal barangays were affected. But in fairness, NorAsia and DOE did apologize and they are willing to come up with a system to address our miscommunications,” Galeos said.

Labios told the governor that he would make sure that communication gaps are addressed.

Execs urged: Act on river pollution

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/news/view/20081006-164855/Execs-urged-Act-on-river-pollution

Execs urged: Act on river pollution
By Bernadette Parco
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 16:05:00 10/06/2008

CEBU CITY, Philippines - Environmentalists called on local government officials in Toledo City to actively monitor the ecosystem in the area following reports that a mining company discharged wastewater into the Sapangdaku River.

“We are calling on the local government units to take on the shared responsibility of ensuring a safe environment for constituents and protect our marine ecosystem,” said environmental lawyer Gloria Estenzo-Ramos.

She said the process and standard of issuing and renewing business permits to companies that continue to pollute the environment should be reviewed.

Ramos referred to a complaint by residents of Barangay (village) Cambang-ug that mine tailings from the Carmen Copper Corp. (CCC) have leaked into the upstream portion of the Sapandaku River.

She questioned whether there were any measures undertaken to ensure compliance from CCC on environmental procedures and standards.
“This is another wake up call for everyone to do their share in protecting the lives of people and our threatened biodiversity,” she said.

Ramos said the LGUs should procure equipment that could be used to monitor the quality of water in the area.

Residents of Barangay Cambang-ug complained that water at the Sapangdaku River has become turbid.

They suspected that wastewater was discharged into the Hinulawan River, located upstream from the Sapangdaku River.

Save Tanon Strait Citizen's Movement (STSCM) member Vince Cinches said the area has been the site of environmental disasters in previous years.

“Toledo (City) has become the toxic playground of polluting firms in Cebu. The city should get their act together now and make the corporation accountable,” he told Cebu Daily News.

“They should not wait until the community will pay with their lives. The community should prevent the repetition of (this kind of) tragedies,” he added.

The CCC, a subsidiary of Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corp. (ACMDC), started operations recently after securing fresh capital.

Mining operations were suspended in 1994 because of financial difficulties.

In 1999, Atlas Mining was penalized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR-7) for dumping 5.7 million cubic meters of sulfuric acid into the Sapangdaku River, causing massive fish kill in the area.

CCC vice president and resident manager Rodrigo Cal said the waste discharge was unintentional since it was caused by a leak in their pipelines.
Cal said they are working to seal the leakages and desilt the river. /With a story from Reporter Doris C. Bongcac

TO DOE AND NORASIAN: RESTORE PEACE TO OUR HOMES AND COMMUNITY BY LEAVING CEBU STRAIT FOREVER!

(Students from different universities under the environmental network Save Tañon Strait Citizens Movement staged a solidarity meal over dried fish, fish paste, and corn in front of the Department Of Energy to symbolize the effects of off-shore oil and gas operation in Central Philippines)

September 19, 2008
PRESS STATEMENT

TO DOE AND NORASIAN: RESTORE PEACE TO OUR HOMES AND COMMUNITY BY LEAVING CEBU STRAIT FOREVER!

We strongly condemn the illegal act of the DOE and NORASIA for pushing though with the site survey, despite the absence of consent from local authorities in Sibonga and Argao and affected local government units including the Province of Cebu, as required by the Local Government Code. Despite massive opposition from the community, DOE and NorAsian ruthlessly displaced fisherfolk, in gross violation of the social justice provision of the Constitution and the Fisheries Code.

DOE and NorAsian wantonly mocked the celebration of International Day of Peace by sowing discords, displacements and disharmony on previously peaceful communities, and destroyed the rights of the people to life, livelihood, healthy environment and food security policy of the State. Among the individuals, as well as among nations, respecting the other people's rights leads to the path of peace. As Cicero said “The name of peace is sweet, and the thing itself is beneficial, but there is a great difference between peace and servitude. Peace is freedom in tranquility, servitude is the worst of all evils, to be resisted not only by war, but even by death.”

How can we have peace, when the basic law of the land and the rights of the people are trampled upon by DOE. How can the people have peace when foreign corporations are lording over our resources and doing activities that threaten our very existence?
The scientists, fisherfolk, lawyers, teachers and students have spoken - there is no room for oil drilling anywhere else in the world for it causes global warming and is extremely hazardous to us humans and in the environment

We commend the brave acts of the fisherfolks in Sibonga and Argao for reclaiming their rights and making their voices heard, despite the sheer arrogance of DOE-NORAsia.

We reiterate our stand that there is no middle ground when it comes to environmental protection and protection of people’s right to live in this planet with other living things.

DOE should cease all development of fossil fuel and instead pursue aggressively clean sources of energy, as mandated by its charter. Double talk from DOE will not solve the problem.

STSCM YOUTH

Sibonga mayor says no to more oil exploration

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/news/view_article.php?article_id=161616

Sibonga mayor says no to more oil exploration

Cebu Daily News
First Posted 11:23am (Mla time) 09/19/2008
UNLESS he is shown proper documentation, Sibonga Mayor Lionel Bacaltos said he would no longer allow seismic survey to be conducted within their municipal waters.

Anyone, who violates this directive, will be arrested, the mayor said.
“I was insulted with what they did because they did not cooperate with us,” Bacaltos said of NorAsia Energy Ltd., an energy company that had been conducting studies of the waters of southeastern Cebu in hopes of finding commercially viable oil.

Bacaltos said the foreign firm had conducted seismic surveys in the town's waters, at least eight kilometers from the shore, since last year without coordinating with the town government.

While Bacaltos said he did not want to interfere in the project's implementation, he also wanted to make sure that the firm had the proper permits and certifications.

Unless those permits were shown to the town government, particularly those from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Energy (DOE), Bacaltos said he would not allow the seismic survey to continue.

Bacaltos issued the warning during a meeting he called yesterday with representative from the DOE who also represented NorAsia, the town police chief, and fishermen.

He said he wanted to be certain that the project would not affect the livelihood of the town's fishermen.

While the mayor said he was not a party to the survey's implementation, he had been receiving criticisms for it.

He said fishermen complained that they were driven away every time the vessel carrying the survey equipment would pass through the town's waters. Fishermen said a coastguard vessel would often lead the survey vessel.

Fishermen thought the survey was conducted with his approval, Bacaltos said.

“I already told the fisherfolk 'I'm on your side.' I will help them in seeking financial compensation for the inconvenience that they have suffered, but I would not also want to fight the national government over the project implementation,” he said.

Bacaltos said NorAsia first conducted seismic surveys along the coastal waters of barangays Simala, Bagakay, Bahay and Poblacion in 2007.

The company gave financial assistance of P1,500 each to at least 200 fishermen who were asked to temporary leave the survey area.

Owners of fish traps were paid P8,000 to P10,000 each.

Bacaltos said fishermen complained after the company refused to release compensation to those affected by this year's survey, which were conducted on Sept. 5 and 12. /REPORTER DORIS C. BONGCAC

Sibonga, Argao fishers oppose oil exploration

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Local%20News&p=52&type=2&sec=70&aid=20080912207

Local News

Sibonga, Argao fishers oppose oil exploration

Saturday, September 13, 2008
For the third time, fisherfolks of Sibonga and Argao towns staged a fluvial protest yesterday against the oil drilling and seismic surveys to be done by the NorAsian Energy Ltd. of Australia.

Carrying placards, about 500 fishermen including a number of children rode on more than 80 pump boats from Sibonga to the port of Argao.

The fishermen came from barangays Taloot, Langtad, Guianon and Bogo in Argao; and Simala, Bagacay, Bahay and Abugon in Sibonga.

Organizations that joined the protest included the Alyansa sa mga Mangingisda Batok sa Hulga sa NorAsian (AMBAHAN), Simala Bantay Dagat Association (SIMBADA), Panaghiusa sa mga Mangingisda sa Taloot (PAGMATA), Langtad Fisherfolks Association (LAFA), Bagacay Rural Workers Association (BARUWA) and Panaghiusa sa Gagmayang Mangingisda sa Sugbo (PAMANA Sugbo).

While the protest was ongoing, another group of fisherfolks staged a picket in front of the Argao Municipal Hall.

PAMANA Sugbo spokesman Wilbert Dimol said the protest aims to let the public and the officials see that the people, particularly the fisherfolks, are objecting to the NorAsian project.

Argao Mayor Edsel Galeos earlier said to “let the people decide” about the issue.

It was reported that the NorAsian Energy Ltd. started its site survey off Sibonga last Aug. 25 and just finished last Monday.

It is still not certain if oil drilling will be pursued since consultations between the company and barangay captains including some LGU officials are ongoing.

Dimol said the oil exploration will destroy their livelihood and claimed ships of NorAsian have taken away 10 artificial reefs that had been sunk for the fish.

AMBAHAN President Anselmo Simoran also said that they are having a hard time fishing because they are not allowed to fish in the area where the seismic surveys are being conducted.

The fisherfolks have also launched a signature campaign. As of yesterday, Dimol said they have already gathered more than 1,000 signatures.

The petition will be submitted to the Provincial Board after their next fluvial protest on September 16.

The next fluvial protest will be joined by Boholanos supporting the fisherfolks’ to call President Gloria Arroyo’s attention.

Arroyo is set to go to Argao on September 16 to inaugurate the coliseum of the town. — Cressida Paula G. Delmo/BRP

Congress asked to probe oil searches in Argao, Sibonga

Friday, September 12, 2008
Congress asked to probe oil searches in Argao, Sibonga


WORRIED about an ongoing oil and gas exploration in the towns of Argao and Sibonga, an organization that represents fishers is asking Congress to investigate NorAsian’s operations.

“We would like to request from our local congressmen to have an onsite congressional investigation,” said Vince Cinches, executive director of the Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center Inc. (Fidec).

Since this is a local problem, local legislators should also take a stand, he added. Argao belongs to the province’s second congressional district, represented by Rep. Pablo Garcia, while Sibonga belongs to the first district, represented by Rep. Eduardo Gullas.

Fidec and local fishers are inviting all the local lawmakers to hold their “onsite investigation” in Argao and Sibonga.

Rep. Pablo John Garcia (Cebu, 3rd district) said that the House committee on natural resources already met last Wednesday to address the issue.

“I think the committee decided to have the onsite inquiry, though no date has been set. The committee decided to have an inquiry, because the Bohol congressmen are also asking for it,” said Garcia in a phone interview.

But Garcia, for his part, said he saw nothing wrong with oil and gas exploration as long as it has a very limited impact on the environment.

“We would provide them also with documents. All we want is to compel them to aggressively conduct an investigation,” said Cinches.

Conducting the inquiry in Manila would be costly, he added.

“Should they come for the onsite investigation, they can see the socio-economic and cultural impact of oil and gas exploration. In addition, they will know who are responsible for this problem and they will identify ways of how to penalize them,” said Cinches.

Garcia, however, pointed out that the Constitution allows such explorations “if there are identified resources available to utilize.”

In Wednesday’s meeting, the House committee invited an international marine environmentalist, Barry Shepherd, to discuss offshore mining.

“I asked him if there are any adverse affects of oil and gas exploration to the environment and he said there are very little effects,” said Garcia. He added, though, that the committee will still hold its onsite inquiry on NorAsian’s operations, despite Shepherd’s reassurance. (EPB)

Fluvial protest greets Visayan oil exploration project

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20080908-159441/Fluvial-protest-greets-Visayan-oil-exploration-project

Fluvial protest greets Visayan oil exploration project
By Kit Bagaipo, Jhunnex Napallacan
Visayas Bureau
First Posted 20:56:00 09/08/2008

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines -- Some 300 fishermen from Sibonga and Argao held a fluvial parade Monday morning to protest the offshore oil exploration of NorAsian Energy Ltd. in the Cebu-Bohol Strait.

Wilbert Dimol of Pamana-Sugbo told the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net) that although the actual oil drilling had yet to start, NorAsian has been conducting the second phase of its survey to erect its oil rig.

The fluvial protest, which started at 9 a.m. Monday, aimed to surround the site where seismic tests would be conducted by NorAsian oil and gas exploration ships, Dimol said in a telephone interview.

He also alleged that the NorAsian ordered the dismantling of the fishermen's payaos or fish traps.

But Department of Energy (DoE) Visayas director Antonio Labios clarified that NorAsian has been doing a location site survey, not a seismic survey, which was completed in 2007.

It would have to locate the drill site before the actual drilling could be done in the first quarter of 2009, Labios said.

"The seabed must be examined to find out if there are obstructions like shallow gas. Shallow gas is dangerous as it could explode if hit," Labios explained.

Labios said the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) cleared the location site survey.

He added that the ongoing survey would not damage the marine environment.

On the issue of dismantled fish pens, Labios said the fish pens were deliberately placed in the area to obstruct the ongoing location site survey.

Before the NorAsian vessel conducted the survey, he said, the company cleared the area and even paid P10,000 to each fish pen owner in the Sibonga area.

However, Labios said the NorAsian people were surprised when several fish pens went up on September 4.

NorAsian, a wholly owned subsidiary of Australian firm Otto Energy, won a service contract to explore parts of the Cebu-Bohol Straits in the Visayan Basin, which was considered to be highly prospective but under-explored.

In an advisory given to the DoE, Otto reported that it has been raising $11.02 million to fund the oil drilling off Argao, Cebu side and near Cabilao Island in Loon, Bohol side.

The DoE has likewise approved the exploration work programs of Otto giving the Australian firm until March 2009 to drill the first wells at the strait.

In an interview on September 1, 2008 that was posted on the company website, Otto Energy chief executive officer Alex Parks cited Argao as an attractive prospect with eight potential oil reservoirs.

In the same interview, Parks said its subsidiary NorAsian Energy would start drilling the area under its service contract in the first half of 2009.

He also disclosed that they have been targeting an area north of Argao called Bahay with similar characteristics to Argao.

Parks said that Argao and Bahay had a pre-drill estimate of over 100 million barrels of recoverable oil.

Fisherfolk block drilling operations

Saturday, September 06, 2008
Fisherfolk block drilling operations

FISHERFOLK reportedly blocked the survey boat of the Australia-based NorAsian Energy Limited yesterday at the Cebu-Bohol Strait.

This was in protest of the company’s operations off the shores of Sibonga and Argao towns in southern Cebu.

Vince Cinches, executive director of the Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center, Inc. (Fidec), said that because of the company’s operations in the waters where the fisherfolk normally fish, the community has been greatly affected.

“They can no longer fish and sell their catch. They can no longer make a living, people have gone hungry, and children have stopped going to school. The people are experiencing hard times,” said Cinches in Bisaya.

According to Cinches, the fisherfolk held a fluvial protest before the survey vessel and tried to stop it from continuing with its operations.

“What they (NorAsian) are doing right now is for the preparation for the drilling that will happen in a few months,” said Cinches.

Operations

However, despite current operations of Nor—Asian at the strait, their activities remain illegal, said Cinches.

Cinches earlier said that the company failed to comply with Republic Act 8550 (RA) or the Fisheries Code of 1998.

“Republic Act 8550 says that activities should happen 15 kilometers off the shore.

But NorAsian’s activities are operated seven kilometers off the shore,” he said.

Also, Cinches said that the company still has to get an environmental compliance certificate (ECC).

Because of these violations, Fidec along with the fisherfolk will be filling a citizen’s suit against NorAsian and the Department of Energy (DOE).

Assessment

“They have violated RA 8550, the National Integrated Protected Areas Act, and they have committed violations of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system and the Clean Air Act of the Philippines because during operations they are also emitting pollution,” he said.

Cinches said that Fidec will bring the issue of NorAsian’s offshore mining to the international community with hopes of addressing this pressing problem.

“The World Forum on Fisher People is planning to issue a statement against NorAsia,” he said.

To continue with their protest against offshore mining, fisherfolk of Sibonga and Argao will be coming to Cebu City on Monday to bring their protest before the DOE 7. (EPB)

For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here.