Rhinoceros beetles wreak havoc on coconut farms in SCotabato

KORONADAL CITY, Philippines — Swarms of rhinoceros beetles, locally known as "bagangan," have attacked coconut farms in the agro-industrial town of Surallah, South Cotabato, with the infestation likely caused by the use of pesticides in pineapple and banana plantations, among them the toxic endosulfan, officials said. Surallah Mayor Romulo O. Solivio, Sr. said the local government is considering an ordinance that will ban the use of endosulfan, which will also promote organic farming. "Many farmers in the town have complained that their coconut trees have died due to the infestation caused by these rhinoceros beetles. These farmers are asking the help of the local government unit because their livelihood was affected," the town mayor said. An estimated 5,000 coconut trees have died in at least three villages in the town that hosts the pineapple plantation of Dole Philippines, Inc. and the banana plantations of Sumifru Philippines Corp. Dolefil took over the operations of the T’boli Agro-Industry Development, Inc. after the latter declared bankruptcy. Mr. Solivio believed the growth in the population of the rhinoceros beetles in the town could have been caused by the use of chemicals by these multinational companies. Dolefil and Sumifru officials had no comment. Dr. Romeo F. Quijano, a pharmacologist from the University of the Philippines, said endosulfan and other pesticides kill the "natural enemy" of the rhinoceros beetles, citing a study done in the Davao region where aerial spraying has been prevalent in banana plantations. Davao City has banned the aerial spraying by banana companies but the court has issued a temporary restraining order. The case is pending at the Court of Appeals in Cagayan de Oro City. "Because these pesticides kill the natural enemy of the rhinoceros beetles, the beetles’ population just grows uncontrollably, and they prey on coconut trees," Dr. Quijano explained, noting that pesticides are also harmful to the human health. — Romer S. Sarmiento, BusinessWorld