BAN Toxics lauds Customs for smuggled mercury nab

By Angelica Pago

Media and Communications Manager

angelica@bantoxics.org/09989595785

MANILA, Philippines  (December 27, 2014)  – Environmental justice group BAN Toxics (BT) lauded the Bureau of Customs (BoC) for intercepting the illicit mercury shipment from China last December 23 at the Manila International Container Port.

“We support and further encourage our Customs officials to continue enforcing environmental laws, especially those that pertain to chemicals and wastes, because of their huge impact on public health,” said BAN Toxics executive director Atty. Richard Gutierrez.

According to news reports, the BoC apprehended seven container vans containing various items including 360 kilos of mercury worth an estimated P1.8 million. At the moment, only one of the seven container vans have been opened, with the rest to be opened and inspected in the coming days.

“The illegal traders of mercury have profited immensely over the years at the expense of our health and environment. The government should throw the full force of law in prosecuting the offenders and halting the entry of mercury and similarly banned chemicals into the Philippines,” Gutierrez added.

Mercury is a heavy metal that is highly toxic. It is a potent neurotoxin that adversely affects humans, especially children and pregnant mothers. Despite this, mercury is still widely used in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in the Philippines. The DENR estimates that over 70 tons of mercury is emitted into the environment by the sector annually.

In its 2013 report entitled Mercury Trade in the Philippines:  An Investigative Research on Mercury Flows in the Philippines[i], BT revealed that most importation of mercury into the Philippines is done illegally. The government, in the past year has taken steps to address the use of mercury in the country. In June, President Aquino issued Executive Order 79 which expressly prohibits the use of mercury in ASGM.

In October 2013, the Philippines signed the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which seeks to install global controls over the use, trade, production, and disposal of mercury.

“We are concerned that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Asia is now a major mercury trading hub. We can expect to see an increase in illegal trade of mercury in the region in the coming years,” Gutierrez said.

To avert the influx of mercury into the country, the group recommends the following steps:

1. Eliminate major demand for mercury in the country. The government should support the mercury ban by supporting and promoting mercury-free ASGM practices through technical assistance and education;
2. Update and eliminate exemptions and close loopholes under DENR Administrative Order 1997-38 which was imposes requirements for the importation, manufacture, distribution and use of mercury and mercury compunds, including its storage, transport and disposal.
3. Phase out dental amalgam use. Dental amalgam contain 50% mercury and has been an indirect mercury supply source for ASGM; and
4. Immediate ratification of the Minamata Convention. The Philippines will need the community of nations behind it to help prevent production and trade of mercury.

“As more countries prohibit mercury, illegal traders will look for places to dump the unwanted mercury. The silver lining in this situation is that the Philippine government is in a very good position to take steps in eliminating mercury use and to do so immediately. The BOC is already leading the way.” adds Gutierrez.