GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PNA)- Experts of the University of the Philippines (UP) are expected to arrive here today to hold a series of public discussions about a Norwegian scientist's claim that traces of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) toxin were found in blood samples of some residents in Polomolok South Cotabato.

Dr. Terje Traavik, scientific director of the Norwegian Institute of Gene Ecology, jolted the international scientific community when he confirmed that at least 38 individuals of barangay Landan, Polomolok had been tested positive for Bt toxin.

Dione Christian Baracol, project management assistant of SEARCA's Biotechnology Information Center, mentioned in a telephone interview Tuesday the coming of UP medical experts led by Dr. Nina Gloriani Barzaga, professor of medical microbiology and microbial immunology from the UP-Manila College of Public Health.

'Doctor Barzaga and two other noted medical experts from the Philippine General Hospital will conduct the public forum as well in the town of Polomolok and in Koronadal City," said Baracol, who is based in Laguna.

He said the series of dialogues will start at the city council here this morning.

In the afternoon, the team will conduct a forum at the provincial health office in Koronadal City. On March 27, the experts will hold a dialogue at the Municipal Training Center in Polomolok town.

Barzaga, who is also the director of the Institute of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology- National Institute of Health Philippines and research director of the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines, had earlier criticized Traavik for causing "undue public panic" when he disclosed to the media the results of his study.

"Traavik needs to show pertinent scientific data that establish his claims before making press releases that unduly caused panic to the public," she said.

"It is also important for Traavik to indicate what types of tests were performed, and in which laboratories these tests were performed. There are accepted standardized, validated procedures used in any allergenicity testing," she said.

Gloria Sabit, an advocacy officer of the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Marbel based in Koronadal City, defended Traavik. SAC has been at the forefront of anti-Bt corn campaign in the locality.

Sabit said that those favoring Bt corn and other genetically altered crops should be the one who must come up with an overwhelming study that these plants are safe for humans and the environment.

'The burden of proof should not be on the side of the critics but on the proponents of the Bt corn," she said.