Board to interview survivors in Cebu; chemical ban urged
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 07:31:00 07/05/2008
THE Board of Marine Inquiry (BMI) said it plans to go to Cebu City to interview survivors of the MV Princess of the Stars tragedy.
"We need to talk to passengers who survived,” said Rear Admiral and BMI chairman Ramon Liwag in Manila.
“ So far we have only examined one of the ship's crew members who was able to escape death. They could be the most crucial witnesses because as seafarers, they know the movement of the ship," Liwag said.
Less than 35 persons survived the sinking of the passenger vessel, which carried over 800 passengers and crew.
Several of the survivors were seamen.
Liwag called on the vacationing seafarers who survived the tragedy to recount their experiences formally to the board.
"They could be the most crucial witnesses because as seafarers, they know the movement of the ship," Liwag said.
The BMI also invited Del Monte Philippines (DMP) representatives to answer allegations that the 10,000 metric tons of endosulfan were declared as “ordinary cargo”
The shipment was intended for Del Monte's pineapple plantation in Bukidnon province.
An environmental coalition in Cebu urged government to ban endosulfan due to risks to public health and the environment.
“Endosulfan is banned in Europe and other countries. There was a worldwide clamor to stop using it because it is very toxic. It was banned in the country in 1994 but this is still being used in Bohol,” said Estrella Catarata, Farmers' Development Center (Fardec) executive director.
Groups like the Panaghugpong sa mga Mananagat sa Sugbo, Save the Tanon Strait Citizen's Movement (STSCM) and the Central Visayas Fisherfolks Development Center Inc. (Fidec) said unless the government removes the endosulfan shipment from the vessel, the damage to marine life would be incalculable.
Environmentalist lawyer Gloria Estanzo-Ramos said she will no longer buy DMP products. She said the government should publish the list of user companies so the public will know.
Catarata, citing a report by the Pesticide Action Network (PAN), said the pesticide is highly toxic and that ill-effects of ingesting the chemical could lead to serious neurological illnesses.
Symptoms of poisoning include headaches, nausea and vomiting, seizures, and in extreme cases unconsciousness and death.
Endosulfan is also a suspected endocrine disruptor, and low dose exposure while in the womb has been linked to autism, male reproductive harm and birth defects.
“In the 1990s, farmers in Bohol were encouraged by the government to grow snails or kuhol and they were told to use Thiodan, which is the brand name of endosulfan. Nahimong poisonous and yuta,” said Catarata. Fardec is a member of PAN member RESIST, a network of non-government organizations and people's organizations against the use of agrochemicals.
“It (endosulfan) is volatile and highly toxic. Grabe ang toxicity that even if it is diluted it stays a long time in the soil,” she added.
The DMPI is authorized to use endosulfan by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority.
The pesticide is currently classified as a restricted pesticide.
The group raised the alarm on the dangers of the pesticide following the suspension of recovery operations on the sunken vessel after authorities learned about 10,000 tons of endosulfan in its cargo haul.
Catarata noted the lack of research in the country on the negative effects of the pesticide to the health of farmers who are in contact with the chemical.
“The research, the study of the government on the possible effects of endosulfan in the waters off Romblon and on the people is just a knee jerk reaction,” said Fidec executive director Vince Cinches.
“This compound is more dangerous because it is bio-accumulative. If the toxin level in the body rises, this would lead to death,” he added. With a report from Ma. Bernadette A. Parco, Editorial Assistant, Correspondent Chris Ligan and Inquirer
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