The Save Mt. Kanlaon Coalition said yesterday that opposition to the proposed entry of the Philippine National Oil Company-EDC in the buffer zone of Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park can spill over to the streets if the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will favorably endorse the move.

Edwin Balajadia said their group and other sectors are ready to hold public demonstrations to prevent PNOC-EDC from pursuing its plans and to push for the amendment of Republic Act 9154 or the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park .

Support from Negros Occidental congressmen will also be solicited for the move to amend the MKNP Act, Balajadia said.

He added it is ironic to urge the SP to take the lead in respecting and implementing the law (RA 9154) that will allow PNOC-EDC to enter the buffer zone since certain provisions in the Act itself violates the more encompassing National Integrated Protected Areas System law.

Balajadia said NIPAS law prohibits energy survey and exploration in natural parks which RA 9154 contravened by establishing the buffer zone or a area intended for the exploration, development, and utilization of geothermal energy resources and other exploration activities.

The Coalition urged the public to remain vigilant and support the move to prevent PNOC-EDC's entry in MKNP, he said.*NAB

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