There is no stopping the Department of Agriculture from propagating the genetically modified Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn.

DA officials led by Secretary Luis P. Lorenzo Jr. yesterday said no scientific evidence has been found to justify a moratorium on the planting and sale of the controversial crop throughout the country, as non-government organizations (NGOs) led by Greenpeace International have been demanding.

In a press briefing, Lorenzo said the DA would continue to hold dialogues with the NGOs, but stressed that the agency should not be held accountable for the lives of protesters.

Lorenzo was referring to four environmentalists now on their 15th day of a hunger strike I front of the DA building.

"I respect their principles," he said, "but in previous dialogues, I reminded them that maybe this wasn't something they should have to die for."

The hunger striker will be joined tomorrow by Fr. Robert Reyes, the "running priest."

Reyes, known for taking up crusades in his running shoes, said he would join the protest fast at 11 a.m. after a "Bt run" or "Bayan Takbo Against Bt corn" around the Quezon Memorial Circle.

"I shall offer my hunger as a prayer for the enlightenment of those in power."

Reyes said in a statement released during a news conference yesterday at the hunger strike encampment.

The four hunger strikers-Obet Verzola, Mark Cervantes, Arma Bertuso and Luisita Esmao-vowed to continue their fast until Lorenzo, or President Macapagal-Arroyo, declares the moratorium that they are seeking.

Versola, the eldest striker at 40, was too weak to stand and face the media yesterday. But he had his statement read out by Bertuso, in which he said he was making "a final stand against a wrong." He also issued a waiver clearing his colleagues of any responsibility for the consequences of his action.

Also set to join the fast was AN Larracas of Philippine greens, Versola's organization.

Bt corn is being marketed under the brand name Yieldgard by Monsanto, a United State based pesticide company. The crop produces a naturally occurring Bacillus thuringiesis (Bt) protein that makes it high-yielding and pest-resistant.

Upon the recommendation of the Scientific and Technical review Panel (STRP), the DA's Bureau of Plant Industry last year approved YieldGard's commercialization.

Dr. Oscar Zamora, a professor of environmental science at the University of the Philippines in Los Baños Laguna, said the Introduction of genetically engineered (GE) crops into the country was still largely untested and could adversely affect the environment and agriculture.