Protesters chain themselves to Palace gates

MANILA, Philippines - A group of protesters, led by running priest Fr. Robert Reyes, chained themselves to the gates of Malacañang yesterday, calling on President Arroyo to put an end to aerial spraying of pesticides in banana plantations in Mindanao.

Police officers had to cut through the chains and drag the protesters away from the gate along J.P. Laurel street all the way to Nagtahan.

It is not the first time that advocates seeking a ban on aerial spraying attempted to stage a rally in Malacañang.

The Catholic Church has also expressed support for the banana farmers, who said the use of aerial spraying poses a serious threat to their health.

The Department of Health has recommended a ban on the aerial spraying of pesticides on farmlands but Malacañang has yet to act on this. – Marvin Sy