Exxon reports damage

EXXONMOBIL PNG Ltd confirmed further vandalism occurred at the Angore well pad A in Hela yesterday.
Earlier in the week, armed landowners from the Angore PDL 8 dug up various sections of the road and blocked its access to show frustration over delayed benefit payments.
They also set fire to equipment and machineries owned by a landowner company.
Following yesterday’s event, a company spokesperson said: “ExxonMobil PNG is continuing to monitor tension in Angore in Hela. We confirm further vandalism has occurred at Angore Well Pad A today (yesterday). Our personnel are all accounted for and safe. The Hides Gas Conditioning Plant is continuing to operate normally.
“ExxonMobil PNG condemns any act of criminal vandalism against our assets. We consider these acts as totally unacceptable.
“We encourage all parties to work together to ensure issues are being worked through in a peaceful and constructive manner.”
Petroleum Minister Dr Fabian Pok confirmed receiving a petition from the Angore Tiddi Apa Landowners Association (ATALA).
“I urge the leadership of ATALA to take control and urge their people to respect the rule of law and the properties at the production sites and well heads as parties work on the petition and respond to the demands of the landowners.”
Pok said the petition raised issues which required proper collaboration and cooperation between the Angore Landowners, State (Department of Petroleum) and project operator (ExxonMobil) to address so that benefits can smoothly flow to the project area landowners.
Acting Prime Minister and Treasurer Charles Abel on arrival from Australia yesterday expressed disappointment at the attack on the Angore camp facilities and said that police were mobilised immediately to the scene.