Sibonga, Argao fishers hold rally vs oil drilling

Some 300 fisher folks from Sibonga and Argao yesterday went on board 50 pump boats to protest the oil exploration to be conducted by NorAsian Energy Limited in the two towns despite strong public opposition.

The pump boats traversed the exploration sites in the coastal waters of barangay Simala up to Sibonga town proper and proceeded to barangay Taloot in Argao while shouting their fear that tragedy that occurred at the Tañon Strait might also happen in their areas.

They said they have reason to believe that preparations for the sight survey indicated that the exploration will push through.

Wilbert Dimol, spokesperson of the Panaghiusa sa Gagmay’ng mga Mangingisda sa Sugbo, said yesterday’s protest was just the start of a series of protests they plan to hold to prevent NorAsian from pursuing the drilling.

Dimol said another protest, which will be participated in by local fishermen and fisherfolk from Bohol, will be held in time for the Fish Conservation Week on October 16 to 21. This time, 100 pump boats would reportedly be used, Dimol said.

Many fishermen reportedly experienced less fish to catch for up to five months when NorAsian conducted a seismic survey last year. Marine animals in the survey sight believed to have either died or left the area due to the noise brought about by the equipment.

Seismic guns that produce 255 decibels reportedly create a great disturbance to marine creatures.

Should the drilling proceed, about 21 coastal barangays in Sibonga and Argao would reportedly be affected. Fishing is the main source of income of residents there. — Jessica Ann Pareja/JMO