Petrolifera Petroleum Clarifies Press Reports Concerning Ucayali Block 107 Seismic Activity in Peru

    CALGARY, Feb. 20 /CNW/ - Petrolifera Petroleum Limited (PDP - TSX) wishes
to clarify certain press reports with respect to suggestions that its seismic
program on Block 107 in the Ucayali Basin, onshore Peru, is infringing on
reclusive members of the Cacataibo tribe who inhabit the region.
    During late January 2008, a member of the survey crew employed by the
geophysical contractor being utilized by Petrolifera Petroleum del Peru SAC,
the company's Peruvian subsidiary, noticed certain markings on a tree in
proximity to where activity was being conducted. In accordance with the
company's protocol, the sighting was immediately reported to the company's
Lima office and it was also immediately brought to the attention of an
anthropologist contracted by Petrolifera to deal with matters of this nature.
It should be noted that there were no other elements - fire remains, human
signs, or materials - in evidence at the time of the sighting or in the
vicinity of the sighting, nor have there been subsequent thereto.
    The marks on the tree have been evaluated by a competent authority and
this authority has concluded that it is impossible to deduce that the marks
were made by the isolated indigenous Cacataibo tribe members. The analysis
provided to Petrolifera also states that this occurrence should be viewed as
an isolated event and in the absence of other evidence, there is insufficient
evidence to suggest any proof of the presence of the isolated Cacataibos.
    In accordance with its protocol, Petrolifera has reported the matter to
the appropriate Peruvian authorities and provided logistical support to these
authorities for a visit to the area for a two day scouting trip, which was
successfully conducted last week. Petrolifera has established and is
maintaining a sound relationship with the Cacataibo people and is proceeding
with its program as scheduled. The company is also employing local indigenous
people to the extent possible to assist it in its program.
    The initiation of the program followed a series of workshops and
community meetings with all indigenous people in the area covered by block 107
and the approval of an extensive and thorough Environmental Impact Assessment
or EIA prior to the initiation of activity.
    Certain press reports have misrepresented the actual events surrounding
the sighting and certain other agencies and non-governmental organizations or
NGO's have contacted Petrolifera in respect of this matter, expressing
concerns based on misinformation. It is the intention of this press release to
provide factual information to the public and to these agencies.

    Petrolifera Petroleum Limited is a Calgary-based crude oil and natural
gas exploration, development and production company active in Argentina,
Colombia and Peru.

For further information:

For further information: Richard A. Gusella, Executive Chairman,
Petrolifera Petroleum Limited, Phone (403) 538-6201, Fax (403) 538-6225,
Inquiries@petrolifera.ca, www.petrolifera.ca