DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur - A Davao City-based group, the Kabataan Consortium, Inc. has joined with various groups in Mindanao opposing the controversial Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn to campaign against presidential candidates who are supporting the genetically modified crops.

Bernie Mondragon, Kabataan coordinator, said the groups will launch a nationwide campaign discouraging youth voters from voting presidential aspirants who will just ignore the issue on crops produced through genetically modified organisms (GMO).

Mondragon said his group has coalesced with allied groups such as the Kalitawhan Working Group on Biodiversity, Metsa Foundation and Masipag-Mindanao, to campaign against presidential aspirants who are eyeing the advancement of GMO crops.

The recent findings of a Norwegian scientist, Terje Traavik alarmed the groups.

Traavik claimed that traces of Bt toxin were found in the blood samples of residents living near a Bt corn farm in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

Traavik however clarified that exposure to Bt corn might not to be the cause of trace of Bt toxin in the blood samples, adding that there is still a need for more scientific studies to come up with a conclusive finding.

"Bt corn poses threats to life and therefore must be opposed. Our stand will translate into votes in the coming May elections," Mondragon said.