GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Religious leaders and environmental activists in South Cotabato have, according to this story, raised concern over the granting of a pesticide registration by the government for a Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt) corn seed variety produced by biotechnology firm Monsanto Philippines.

Sister Susan Bolanio, director of the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Marbel, was cited as saying the pesticide registration for the Bt corn issued by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority ultimately means that the product is hazardous, adding, "The approval of the product¹s pesticide registration confirms our suspicions that it really contains chemicals that could imperil human health."

In a letter dated Nov. 29 2002, a copy of which was obtained by MindaNews, FPA executive director Jose Maria R. Perez approved the application for pesticide registration of Monsanto's Bacillus Thuringiensis Var. Kurstaki HD-1 Delta Endotoxin.

The letter was addressed to Analiza Ugalino, the Regulatory Affairs Associate of Monsanto.

FPA officials in Manila could not be reached for comment as of press time. Monsanto officials also did not answer text messages and calls made to their mobile phones.

The South Cotabato Movement Against Genetically Modified Organisms said the commercialization of Bt corn should be scrapped due to the possible hazards from the product.