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First Posted on Inside Mindanao (www.insidemindanao.com) on June 29, 2008

Greenpeace demands Del Monte be made accountable
for unfolding chemical disaster—discovery of toxic pesticide, Endosulfan, on board ill–fated MV Princess of the Stars
By Ellen Red

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Environmental watchdog Greenpeace expressed outrage on the discovery of shipment of the toxic pesticide, Endosulfan, in the hold of the ill–fated MV Princess of Stars, which capsized with 865 passengers and crew on board during Typhoon Fengshen.

The highly toxic cargo was destined for the pineapple farms of multinational corporation Del Monte Philippines, Inc. in Bukidnon.

Greenpeace said, "Endosulfan, a neuro–toxic organochlorine insecticide, manufactured by Bayer Crop Science has been restricted in the Philippines since 1994. Endosulfan is highly toxic and persistent. Studies indicate that it endangers the health and wellbeing of children, farm workers, and those living proximate to affected areas. Poisoning symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and in extreme cases, unconsciousness and even death. It is a suspected endocrine disruptor, with low dose exposure while in the womb being linked to autism, male reproductive harm, and birth defects."

"It is outrageous that a shipment of a highly toxic substance was allowed on board a passenger vessel. We demand that Del Monte and the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority be made fully accountable for this unfolding chemical disaster, the former for continuing the use of such highly toxic chemical and the latter for allowing multinational companies to use them despite the national prohibition and the scientific evidence of their toxicity," said Beau Baconguis, Greenpeace Campaign Manager.

"This pesticide has also been found to be highly toxic to birds, fish and other aquatic organisms. This is the reason why the Philippines has severe restrictions on the use of Endosulfan especially near or around bodies of water. The M/V Princess of the Stars disaster has now exposed that a multinational corporation like Del Monte is using tons of restricted pesticides on their pineapples meant for export. That it took a tragic disaster to expose another ongoing disaster is infuriating," she added.

Endosulfan is being considered today for global elimination under the United Nations Convention on Persistent Organic Polllutants (Stockholm Convention) to which the Philippines is a signatory.

In a statement, Corporate Affairs and Legal Group of Del Monte Philippines, Inc. said, "While this (Endosulfan) cargo is owned by Del Monte Philippines, Inc. (DMPI), it was still enroute for delivery to Del Monte and was therefore outside its control at the time of the accident."

The company said, "Endosulfan is a pesticide that has been used by DMPI for decades without a single untoward health incident. The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), the national agency responsible for regulating the use of fertilizer and agricultural chemicals, has specifically authorized its use by Del Monte."

The company added, "The Endosulfan cargo originated from a supplier in Israel and it was packed and shipped in accordance with strict international shipping standards for cargoes of this type. In addition, Sulficio Lines was fully apprised of the nature of the cargo as all documents were furnished to them including the material safety data sheet (MSDS) from the supplier."

"Without the knowledge and consent of DMPI, Sulficio Lines loaded the Endosulfan cargo in the M/V Princess of the Stars instead of the M/V Princess of the Paradise which was supposed to be the appointed vessel fro this cargo," the company said.

DMPI, the leading consumer packaged fruits and vegetable company in the Philippines under the Del Monte brand, owns the largest and most integrated pineapple plantation in the world and is the leading exporter of processed pineapple products for nearly 80 years.

END