By KIT BAGAIPO
<a href="
http://www.boholchronicle.com">The Bohol Chronicle</a>
First District Rep. Edgar Chatto will meet with officials of the Department of Energy (DoE) today (July 4, 2007) to convey the strong opposition of fishermen and non-government organizations on the seismic oil exploration ongoing at the Bohol Sea.
This even as the public awaits Gov. Erico Aumentado's decision regarding recommendations of the technical working group (TWG) created to gather environmental baseline data in the survey area.
During an interview over dyRD's "Inyong Alagad" and "Pulso" yesterday, Chatto said he will meet with DoE officials despite the governor's assurance that he will also speak with Energy Sec. Rafael Lotilla regarding the start of the seismic survey without honoring its commitments to settle first environmental issues and compensation to fisherfolks.
Chatto disclosed that during a talk with Energy ASec. Francisco Delfin last Monday, it was confirmed that seismic survey in the municipal waters off Loon started.
According to Chatto, Delfin justified that they decided to start seismic exploration activities since they have already paid payao owners and that they were informed baseline data gathering in the Loon area was already completed.
However, Senior Board Member Thomas Cesar Lopez, said in a separate interview that Loon fisherfolks refused to agree with the offer made by NorAsian Energy Ltd.
NorAsian, the Australian-based oil explorer, reportedly offered to pay around P111 a day for each fisherman.
Delfin told Chatto that DoE lawyers were advised by the Solicitor General who recommended that they start the exploration in Bohol since there is a pending court order sought by oppositors.
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