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KORONADAL CITY — Local officials, environmentalists and residents on Monday protested in Surallah airport to prevent the continuation of aerial spray of a multi-national banana firm.

Led by local officials, Church leaders and members of “SurallahAyawsa Aerial Spraying Movement” (SAASM), the protesters expressed opposition to aerial spray due to health hazards it can cause to residents living near and around banana plantation.

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“The aerial spraying pose serious health problems to residents as well as the environment,” South Cotabato Board Member Romulo Solivio told DXOM-AM RadyoBida.

In opposing aerial spray, Solivio maintained that the local officials, Church leaders and farmers are not opposed to the presence of a multi-national company in Surallah because it provides economic aid to the locals.

However, the manner about spraying of pesticides should be done so as not to pose hazards to the environment and the villagers, Solivio added.

Fr. GuillermePelino, Diocese of Marbel Social Action Center, said he was dismayed the Sumifpru banana plantation ignored the notice of violation of the local government of Surallah.

He said the aerial spraying continues despite the absence of a permit issued by the local government. Pelino said it was a clear violation of local revenue code.

The priest also urged the management of Sumifru to consider the welfare of the people and the environment by ensuring chemicals used on banana plants do not affect the locals nearby.

He said everyone should make sure that nobody will die as a result of spraying of chemicals. (PNA)

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