[CPEO-MEF] Toxic-waste victims appeal to GMA

[CPEO Moderator <cpeo@cpeo.org>]

Philippines
THE MANILA TIMES
Toxic-waste victims appeal to GMA
By Ronnie E. Calumpita , Correspondents
Saturday, October 04, 2003

MERWIN Roque and Kevin Dave Piring thought they were already safe, when
they made their way to the Cabcom evacuation center in Clark after their
houses were swept away by lahar brought about by the eruption of Mount
Pinatubo in 1991.

But Merwin, now 8, and Kevin, 5, are afflicted with a central nervous
system disorder. Some of their playmates have developed tumors and
congenital heart defects—victims of toxic-waste contamination in the two
former US military bases.

They appealed to President Arroyo on Friday to raise their plight to US
President George W. Bush when he visits the country this month.

At a press conference on Friday, Olola Ann Olib, executive director of
the People’s Task Force for Bases Cleanup, said the government has
apparently neglected some 2,000 persons—mostly children—who were
afflicted with illnesses after being exposed to toxic-waste
contamination in Subic, Zambales and Clark Field, Pampanga.

She cited several environmental and health studies showing a strong
correlation between the contaminants and the ailments of the victims. A
number of victims have died from diseases like tuberculosis, heart
problems and leukemia.

This article can be viewed at:
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2003/oct/04/top_stories/20031004top12.html

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