The oil and gas industry rejects violent takeovers of fields in Puerto Gaitán: ACP

The Colombian Petroleum Association (ACP) and the companies in the oil and gas industry present in Puerto Gaitán (Meta) reject the acts of fact that endanger the life, the environment, and the dignity of the community and the workers in the industry, generating social and economic harm for the region and even for the country.

At the time of issuing this statement, a violent incursion into a field is recorded, with looting and damage to infrastructure, and a blockade of operations at a second field with a threat of incursion; the above not only breaks the safety standards of the industry and the biosecurity protocols in the context of an aggressive third peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, but also the principle of dialogue, good understanding, and trust that this industry has promoted in its relationship with the communities of Puerto Gaitán.

These events, which add to the three violent takeovers recorded between October and December 2020, constitute a mechanism of pressure and blackmail by some indigenous communities in order for the industry to yield to their demands that, in some cases, are outside the law.

In light of the above, it is important to highlight that the ACP, together with the companies, has been working for more than seven months with the indigenous and peasant communities of Puerto Gaitán, under the leadership of the National Government (Ministries of Labor, Mines and Energy, and the Interior), in a process reflected in 15 dialogue tables on labor issues, goods and services, social and environmental investment.  

Indigenous authorities or their delegates, representatives of peasant communities, from the Mayor's Office of Puerto Gaitán, from the Government of Meta, from the Ministry of Mines and Energy, from the Ministry of Labor, the Public Employment Service Unit, the National Authority of Environmental Licenses (ANLA), Cormacarena, and the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH), among others, have attended these social dialogue sessions.

“The companies in the industry remain open to dialogue and to support structural solutions to the main problems of the communities, all within the framework of legality and in compliance with current regulations and with the coordination of local and national governments, and other productive sectors,” said Francisco José Lloreda Mera, president of the ACP.

Finally, the oil and gas industry reiterates its respect for the Political Constitution of Colombia, Human Rights, and ethnic and cultural diversity; and reaffirms its commitment to maintain open and transparent communication channels that allow for collaborative work with the municipality, its authorities, and the communities.