Statement on the disruption of public order and the violent takeover of production fields by some members of different indigenous communities in Puerto Gaitán.

Regarding the disturbance of public order and the violent takeover of production fields by some members of different indigenous communities in Puerto Gaitán, Meta, the Colombian Petroleum Association (ACP) wishes to inform the public that:

• In three months, three violent occupations of production fields in Puerto Gaitán (Meta) have been recorded by some members of different indigenous communities. The occupations have occurred in fields of different operating companies in the municipality, between October 11 and December 18.
• We reject these events that seriously endanger the life, integrity, and safety of people in the field, workers, neighboring communities, and residents of the municipality, the operations, and even the environment due to the potential alteration and improper manipulation of operational equipment during the violent occupation of the facilities.

• Unfortunately, these occupations have occurred despite the dialogue and multiple participation spaces with high-ranking officials of the national government, companies, and the indigenous communities of Puerto Gaitán, where collaborative efforts have been made to respond to the requests of these communities, within the framework of established procedures and national regulations. It is important to clarify that it is some indigenous people who have resorted to these actions alleging non-compliance with agreements.

• These attacks undermine trust and threaten the dialogue processes around labor issues, social investment, and the purchase of goods and services that have been ongoing in this municipality. In addition to endangering workers, the community, and the aggressors themselves.

• The industry calls for a unanimous rejection of these actions, the restoration of public order, and the establishment of rules aimed at facilitating a dialogue with guarantees that leads to reasonable agreements, for the benefit of the communities and the social development of Puerto Gaitán.