Firm mulls legal action vs.
Capitol for GMO ban
STAKEHOLDERS APPEAL FOR MORATORIUM
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Poultry and livestock growers yesterday called for a moratorium on the ban on GMO products in Negros Occidental, while the president of the second largest poultry integrator in Negros Occidental said they may take legal action against the provincial government as a last resort.

The growers and feed dealers aired their opposition to the ban at a dialog with provincial government officials at the Capitol in Bacolod City.

Earlier, Gov. Isidro Zayco ordered the shipping out of Negros Occidental of genetically modified corn intercepted by provincial government teams.

About 8,500 farmers and other workers affiliated with militant groups will converge in Bacolod Cityforthree Labor Day protests today.

Felipe Gelle Jr., BAYAN-Negros secretary general, said the estimated 2,500 participants of the Lakbayan from some cities and towns in Negros Occidental will converge at the Bacolod public plaza, at 9 a.m.

The group under BAYAN and Kilusang Mayo Uno will reiterate their demand for a legislated wage increase among private and government employees, Gelle said.

The Bacolod City Police Office will be on alert to thwart any violence as protest actions are held today to mark Labor Day, Acting Police Director Supt. Leo Irwin Agpangan said yesterday.

Agpangan told the DAILY STAR that the Bacolod police already coordinated with the City Civil Disturbance Management Group in making sure that the conduct of the rallies will be safe and peaceful.

They have also sought augmentation from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office and from the 303rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, he added.