The militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) cited that if indeed organophospate is present on the cassava that caused the mass poisoning then we have no one else to blame but the government. According to Ka Willy Marbella, spokesperson of the group, “Organophospates pesticides such as diazinon and chloropyrifos have long been banned internationally but our government still allows such chemicals to be used in our country. These dangerous chemicals does not only contaminate the soil but is highly toxic to humans,”

“By allowing these types of toxins in our country the government is placing farmers in clear and present danger, which is now highlighted by the mass poisoning in Bohol. Because this poison when ingested acts rapidly and its symptoms are similar to what the children manifested before they died,” added Marbella.

“Sad to say is that this is not the only toxic chemical that the government allows in our country, many pesticides banned in other countries are still being used and sold here by unscrupulous companies like Monsanto, Cargill, Du Pont and Syngenta. They are also being used by institutions like the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), where many of its farm workers and residents living in the area have already died of poisons from the pesticides,” said Carl Anthony Ala, public information officer of KMP.

“Worse still these chemicals like Thiodan and Paraquat have lasting effects even to the next generation, causing birth defects and cancer to the offsprings of those exposed to it. The government must put a stop to this because if not another mass poisoning is bound to happen,” ended Ala. ##
 

KMP - 11 March 2005