Mayor Hector Villanueva of Bais, Negros Oriental, said he will ask the intervention of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to stop the oil exploration of JAPEX at Tañon Strait , if reports confirm that the drilling has resulted in the decreasing number of dolphins in the city.

Villanueva said that, although he is worried by this report, he will wait for the scientific study to be conducted by the Silliman University Marine Laboratory, in Dumaguete.

The mayor said there are seven species of dolphins in Bais, but reports reaching his office indicated only two have been seen recently.

He said it is difficult to conclude from the report, considering that dolphins are sensitive to weather conditions, and that, the best time for dolphin-watching is during the summer season where the sea is calm.

Villanueva said he is against the oil exploration, but he cannot make baseless conclusion unless the complete scientific report from SUML will confirm the report.

Whale and dolphin-watching in Bais is one of the most popular attractions of the province.

It has also become an added revenue generating activity and a livelihood to some fishermen who operate motorized boats for visitors.*MA

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