Banana firm sued over toxic wastes
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:39:00 11/29/2008
Filed Under: Justice & Rights, Crime, Regional authorities
COTABATO CITY, Philippines—The local government of Magpet in North Cotabato has sued one of the country’s major banana producers over its disposal of suspected toxic wastes in at least two villages there.
Mayor Efren Piñol on Saturday said toxic chemical wastes from the plantation of AJMR Holdings had leaked into the villages of Basak and Datu Celo and the company did nothing about it.
The villages are near the company’s banana plantations, which are at the foot of Mt. Apo.
The Inquirer repeatedly tried but failed to reach officials of AJMR in Davao City.
AJMR is a holding company of the AMS Group of Companies, which counts Sumifru Corp. of Japan as one of its major shareholders.
Contaminated drainage
Piñol said villagers of Datu Celo were the first to notice the chemical spill, which filled their drainage system.
The complaints also started coming in from residents of Basak.
Last week, Piñol said he personally saw the chemical wastes flowing in the canals of the two villages.
“I already called AJMR officials and informed them of the spill but it seems they had ignored the matter,” Piñol said.
The company’s apparent lack of interest to remedy the situation has prompted the town to sue AJMR for violation of environmental laws, according to Piñol.
“It was just appropriate to file a complaint against AJMR, which seems to be neglecting its responsibility of keeping the people safe from these chemicals,” Piñol said.
Edwin O. Fernandez, Inquirer Mindanao
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