Pacific sought to reassure investors the move did not represent a default as the payment due on 28 March has a 30-day grace period.

The company also skipped two interest payments in January, and has a forbearance agreement for certain credit facilities in effect through the end of the month.

The Latin America-focused player has come under intense pressure due to sharply lower oil prices and the loss of a key contract with Colombian state-led player Ecopetrol at the Rubiales field.

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