Protesters who maintain Station 5 captured put their integrity at imminent risk

Since the night of Monday, October 4, a group of more than two hundred people have taken over the facilities of Station 5 of the North Peruvian Pipeline (ONP) in Manseriche, Loreto, as part of the call for the Amazon Strike promoted by the Awajún Río Apaga Native Federation - FENARA and the Peoples Affected by Petroleum Activity - PAAP, who demand the attention of the Government for alleged breaches.

Since the group of protesters made their illegal entry into the industrial facilities owned by PETROPERÚ, they have been carrying out activities forbidden due to security reasons, putting their physical integrity at imminent risk. In particular, setting up tents and other elements without taking into account the security conditions that must prevail in Station 5.

In the images released by the protesters themselves, the presence of children and adults can be observed moving in unsafe conditions through the tank area and preparing food, ignoring the warnings that exist in these high-risk facilities, due to the dangers associated with oil storage. Any source of ignition such as fires, campfires or cell phones, could cause fires and exposures with unfortunate consequences.

It should be noted that the security personnel of Station 5 informed and warned the leaders of these risks when they took control of these facilities. Likewise, they were recommended to maintain biosafety conditions to prevent the spread of COVID-19; however, the occupants do not keep social distancing and do not wear masks.

PETROPERÚ, not having control of the facilities taken, is prevented and unable to carry out any action to attend to emergencies in the event of a contingency or accident caused by the occupants.

Faced with this situation, PETROPERÚ alerts the authorities and the community in general about the risks to which the protesters who remain inside Station 5 have been exposed, and urges them to lay down their measure of force, leave the facilities and make their claims in a peaceful manner, through dialogue with government institutions, maintaining social peace and avoiding these actions of struggle that put their lives at risk and paralyze the hydrocarbon industry, affecting the economic income of the country and the Loreto region.

Likewise, PETROPERÚ reported that it has been taking the corresponding legal actions, considering that the events constitute a crime against public security in the modality of hindering the operation of public services, as well as coercion, trespassing, among others.