"The government should investigate that the rice being imported from the US has not been genitically modified," ESP president Antonio M. Claparols said. "After all, the Americans themselves have been vigilant with regards to the GMO controversy."

The Center for Disease Control in the US recently launched an investigation on "Morgellones Disease" after receiving thousands of complaints from people with unexplained skin condition. In addition to skin manifestations, some sufferers also report fatigue, mental confusion, short term memory loss, joint pains, and changes in visions.

Preliminary findings suggest a link between Morgellons Disease and Agrobacterium, a soil bacterium extensively manipulated and used in making GM crops.

Switzerland and other European countries, meanwhile, have opted for a moratorium on the further use of GMO.

"Until proven safe beyond reasonable doubt, we should not be consuming genetically engineered crops," Claparols added. "It will affect the people, our agriculture and our biodiversity. It will also destroy our rich organic farms, not to mention our environment."

Claparols added that, with better management, the Philippines can produce enough organic crops to feed its own people.