In response to Mr. B. Lopez's column on Nov. 18, 2004 "Bt corn ailments in Mindanao," may we share the following:

The biosafety issue of "super weeds" or "runaway species" from genetically engineered crops is carefully looked into by concerned biosafety regulatory agencies. On the part of technology generators, this concern is rigorously evaluated; after all, if the end view is to commercially use the product, then, the product or the crop must pass this test. The biosafety test is conducted following universally accepted scientific principles of risk assessment on a case-by-case basis. Regulators review scientific studies conducted locally and abroad to ascertain that such concern is minimized or totally eliminated.

If one were to look at the literature available, one would find an overwhelming amount of scientific evidence and knowledge base that addresses the potential risks related to GM crops. Numerous international organizations and scientific bodies, including the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), and the International Council for Science (ICSU), have conducted study after study to evaluate the food, feed, and environmental safety of GM crops and have concluded that all currently available GM crops are as safe as their conventional counterparts.

The incident in Sitio Kalyong, Landan, Polomolok, South Cotabato happened in July last year and NOT two years ago. When the incident was reported in the press, the Department of Agriculture, together with SEARCA BIC and the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines, conducted a dialogue in Polomolok. There were medical doctors (Dr. Ma. Bella Siasoco, pulmonologist, UP Manila-Philippine General Hospital, East Avenue Medical Center, St. Luke's Medical Center, Philippine College of Chest Physicians; Dr. Florecita Padua, allergologist-immunologist, National Kidney Institute, Philippine Society for Allergology and Immunology; Dr. Nina G. Barzaga, professor of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UP Manila-College of Public Health, and director, Institute of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, National Institutes of Health; and Dr. Ma. Gemma Tapnio, medical officer V, Municipal Health Office of Polomolok) in the dialogue to clarify the concerns of the allegedly affected B'laans. The doctors tried with difficulty to establish the medical history of complainants, a standard protocol in medical examination, because of vehement objection from a representative of SEARICE. MASIPAG and SEARICE claimed to have wanted to help the indigenous community and therefore facilitated the extraction of blood samples from B'laans and sending of same to Dr. Traavik in Norway for analysis.

The affected residents complained of having smelled a pungent smell prior to feeling ill. The complaints (coughing, vomiting, headache, dizziness, stomach ache) happened to a cluster of patients and involve multi-organ systems. Since the symptoms developed almost immediately after smelling something, the doctors said this points more to toxicity or poisoning and not to allergic symptoms or even viral respiratory infection. Many have history of respiratory illness long before a small plot of Bt corn plants was planted in the area. The Bt corn plants do not emit any smell.

Even before the dialogue in Polomolok, the incident was already brought by SEARICE to the attention of Dr. Lynn Crisanta R. Panganiban, chairperson, National Poison Control and Information Service (NPCIS), College of Medicine, University of the Philippines. After analyzing the documentation from affected individuals, the NPCIS indicated that the clustering effect on the manifestations of symptoms at almost the same period is more indicative of a chemical exposure than biologic exposure.

Earlier (August 2003), the medical mission conducted by the municipal health office reported that majority of the patients were diagnosed with upper respiratory tract infection, a common illness for the past few months and which has also been noted in 23 other barangays of Polomolok. Dr. Edwin Dipus, the municipal health officer, concluded that it was "premature to conclude that the illnesses are due to factors other than viruses causing respiratory tract infection."

The B'laan community needs government assistance to improve their livelihood and quality of life. After the dialogue, the Department of Agriculture-Region XII distributed improved seeds to the farmers. A follow- up medical mission was also recommended, but our sources in the area informed us the complainants were not cooperative as some external parties identified as anti-GMO advised them not to, a sad development.

When local immunology expert Dr. Barzaga challenged the methodology and findings of Dr. Traavik, the Norwegian scientist claimed that his study is incomplete. The affected residents of Polomolok were farmers and are therefore constantly exposed to the common soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis. Naturally, there will be antibodies produced by our body as a natural immune response. Dr. Traavik admitted that the results have "shown a coincidence in time which may or may not show a cause and effect relationship between the production of antibodies against Bt toxin and the disease allegedly suffered by these farmers and individuals."

As to when Dr. Traavik intends to complete his study and submit its findings, we do not know. We only hope that when he does, he will have the courtesy to submit it to proper authorities first instead of calling a press conference.

Mr. B. Lopez and MASIPAG have been ardent anti-GMO advocates. We respect their opinions and would appreciate rational discussion that would elevate our understanding of a novel technology that when used responsibly and judiciously can help contribute towards our twin goals of food security and environmental integrity. Concerns about the technology should be thoroughly discussed in a rational manner, with open mind and not with alarm.

SONNY P. TABABA
Network Administrator
Biotechnology Information Center
SEARCA