Asbestosis ‘victims’ to file damage suit

A non-government organization (NGO) is set to seek punitive damages from 24 American companies which used to operate at the former Subic naval base for allegedly providing hazardous workplaces to their Filipino workers who are now suffering from cancer.

The Alliance for Bases Clean-up International (ABC Inc.) said it would demand about $100,000 each for the former Subic workers who are now reportedly suffering from early stages of asbestosis to malignant mesothelioma or cancer.

Asbestosis causes irreparable damage to the lungs, chest cavity, cardiovascular system and other parts of the body.

Teofilo Juatco, ABC Inc. secretary general and chairman of the People’s Task Force for Bases Clean-up, said there are over 8,000 workers who had been in contact with asbestos in the former US naval facility since the 1970s.

Of the number, he said 1,500 are now suffering from lung-related ailments.

"An average of three to five persons die almost every month. So far, 165 people have died," he said.

Juatco said many of the victims underwent medical check-up at the Lung Center of the Philippines and the Makati Medical Center.

So far, only more than 300 of those afflicted have undergone X-ray exams, while 457 others are awaiting similar tests and CT scan.

Juatco said they are closely working with their American lawyer, Benjamin Cassidy, based in Honolulu, Hawaii for the legal action they would take against the 24 American companies.

"Right now, we are planning to file the case in the next two months, after we have prepared all the evidence. (Cassidy) will be back in the country (next month)," he said.

ABC Inc. refused to identify the companies which would be named respondents in the individual cases — not class suit — that would be filed.

Juatco said Cassidy would file the case in the District Court of Hawaii or Philadelphia.

Majority of those afflicted, according to Juatco, worked as pipe fitters and in boiler rooms, exposing them to asbestos powder that entered their lungs, in the former Subic naval base.

It was only in 1986 when they were reportedly given protective gear such as paper masks, which were inadequate to protect them against asbestos powder.

One of those afflicted, Ronnie Ferreras, 61, a shop machinist for 25 years at the Subic ship repair facility, said he has been suffering from chest pains, vertigo and drastic weight loss since the 1990s.