On closer look, pings are not being <i>disallowed</i> administratively.  The "allow pings" checkbox is just off by default when a new article is posted, but the author should be able to check that box to allow pings. 

 If you don't have that checkbox visible when posting thru the app,  it should be available if you can go back via "Quick Edit" for your post.  (Oddly, there are some settings which are more accessible via "Quick Edit" than via full "Edit" or the original compose screen.