By Martin Sadongdong
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is supporting the proposed natural oil exploration project of an Australian energy firm in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) that is expected to create employment opportunities for Mindanaoans.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) (MANILA BULLETIN)
Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the AFP-Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), said the Australian firm Energy World Group met with military and local officials, including BARMM Interim Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim and other security and BARMM officials in Cotabato City over the weekend and discussed its intention to enter into an agreement for a natural oil exploration in BARMM.
According to Sobejana, the Energy World Group told officials that the exploration will be made in Sulu "to ameliorate the province's economic condition."
The WestMinCom chief said the oil exploration project "is seen to create more employment opportunities for residents and former terrorists in Mindanao" who have since yielded their weapons and reintegrated into the communities.
In its website, the Energy World Corporation, Ltd. described itself as "an independent energy company, primarily engaged in the production and sale of power, and development of LNG products."
With the planned exploration, the Energy World Group, which was incorporated in Australia and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange since 1988, aims to establish the first-ever liquefied natural gas hub terminal in the Philippines.
"The military is ready to support any joint venture, co-production and sharing agreements that comply with the legal requirements and that redound to the benefits of the Bangsamoro people," Sobejana said.
"We are for peace and development in the Bangsamoro region, and we remain committed to support any development initiatives in the operational area," he added.