The International Fact Finding Mission (IFFM) visited the village of Kamukhaan on February 25, 2003. Three medical doctors participating in the IFFM Health Team examined 170 community residents ranging in age from a two-month infant to an 81-year-old woman. 

The examination consisted of a clinical history and a physical exam. The adults examined included 37 males and 94 females. There were 39 children examined 18 years of age and younger. Of the women examined, 19 were pregnant and/or breast-feeding.

This study was conducted to get “on the ground” information about health conditions in the village, and to consider the possible impacts on community health resulting from environmental pollutants, as was suggested in a previous study of this community conducted by Dr. Romeo Quijano. Quijano’s study took note of the fact that a banana plantation adjoins the village, and he considered the pesticides used in that plantation as a likely cause of the health impacts he observed. The present study attempts to investigate this hypothesis further.

Given the time limitations and unavailability of laboratory examination, the diagnosis was based mainly on clinical history and physical examination. Still, all three participating physicians independently saw similar patterns in the diagnostic conclusions that they reached, and the consistency of those patterns appears to be so strong as to warrant concern and to suggest a more rigorous follow-up. 

The majority of complaints were gastro-intestinal and respiratory. Among the children, a considerable amount of malnutrition in varying degrees was observed. Among the major causes of diseases observed were communicable but preventable diseases such as upper respiratory track infections, gastro-enteritis, intestinal parasitism, and skin diseases of varying etiologies. All of the above are rather typical in poor, rural, Filipino communities.

On the other hand, some atypical patterns were also observed. An unusually significant number of adult males showed signs and symptoms of anemia and possible blood dyscrasias. A significant number of patients, both males and females, exhibited signs and symptoms of tremors and palpitations suggestive of endocrine disruption. In addition, a considerable number of the children showed developmental delays including stunting, wasting, delays in the development of secondary sexual characteristics, and mental deficiencies. 

The above pattern of diagnoses strongly suggests that environmental pollutants have significant health impacts on this community. It is consistent with independent studies documenting health impacts from pesticide exposure. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that appropriate government agencies carry out additional medical studies in this community, especially appropriate laboratory documentation.

Finally, one additional point must be made. Efforts by the owners of the LADECO Plantation, adjacent to the village of Kamukhaan, to bring criminal and civil charges against Dr. Quijano, seriously compromises efforts to carry out good research on the health of this community, and it has a chilling impact on all independent groups seeking to study and expose health effects of pesticides. It is hoped that a balanced and independent further health study of this community be quickly carried forward, and that all relevant government agencies and stakeholders cooperate in a positive way. The goal should be to resolve the present polarized situation, and to create full and meaningful accountability.

Team composition:

Dr.  Rodney Hernandez, IOHSAD
Dr.  Pam Claveria, Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD)
Dr.  Gene Alzona Nisperos, HEALTH-Bukidnon
Jack Weinberg, Environmental Health Fund (EHF)-US
Wennie Wagan, Peasant Education and Studies Center (PESC)
Liza Clemente, REDO-CSWCD UP Diliman
Rev. Ely Ocariza, UCCP-Mindanao 
Representatives from Student Christian Movement (SCM)-Digos City
Representatives from ANAKBAYAN-Digos City