Deadly Superstition: DOH Issues Health Warning Against Mercury Use for ‘Kulam’ and ‘Barang’ as EcoWaste Coalition Rings Alarm

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Quezon City, July 1, 2025 — In a groundbreaking public health move that blends science with cultural sensitivity, the Department of Health (DOH) has officially issued a public advisory against the use of toxic mercury as a so-called antidote to witchcraft practices like kulam and barang—a long-overdue response to escalating concerns raised by environmental health advocates and medical professionals.

The warning, released on June 29, directly addresses a dangerous and often misunderstood folk remedy that continues to thrive in the shadows of Filipino belief systems. The practice—fueled by fear, superstition, and online misinformation—has driven many to obtain and use liquid mercury, believing it can repel or neutralize curses or psychic attacks.

But the DOH has made its stance crystal clear: “There is no safe level of mercury in the human body.”

“May mga ebidensya na nagpapatunay na ang mercury poisoning ay nagdudulot ng malubhang epekto sa utak, ugat, bato, at iba pang organ ng katawan,” the DOH warned.

This public advisory marks a significant victory for the EcoWaste Coalition, a prominent environmental and public health watchdog, which had been pushing the government to take action since early this year.

The Mercury Menace: From Ritual to Risk

The belief that mercury can serve as a “pamatay-bisa” or neutralizer of curses has led to disturbing practices—including applying mercury directly to the skin or planting it under the flesh. This isn’t only irrational; it’s potentially lethal.

Mercury is a neurotoxin—a substance so poisonous that even minor exposure can permanently damage the brain, kidneys, nerves, and reproductive organs. Worse, it can vaporize at room temperature, turning into an invisible threat inhaled by unsuspecting household members, including children.

In February 2025, EcoWaste Coalition formally requested the DOH to issue a health warning following online trends and marketplace listings where liquid mercury was being marketed as a “spiritual shield.” Ads claiming mercury could "protect from barang" or "remove spiritual blockages" had proliferated across social media platforms and e-commerce sites, targeting vulnerable individuals desperate for relief from imagined curses.

Quiapo’s Dark Market and the Call for Crackdown

Even before the DOH’s advisory, EcoWaste had flagged this issue to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as early as September 2023, exposing the illegal sale of mercury near Quiapo Church, a site infamous for its open-air markets selling herbal concoctions, talismans, and magical items.

In violation of DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-20—which prohibits mercury’s use in traditional or religious practices—vendors have been discreetly peddling mercury under the guise of “healing” and “protection.” The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in its booklet on Cultural Uses of Mercury, highlights the grave dangers of such practices:

Mercury vapor can linger and harm even future occupants of a space.

Users are often unaware of the chemical’s toxicity.

The risk extends to transport, handling, and accidental spills.

Internet Transactions Act: A Legal Lifeline

EcoWaste is now calling on authorities to fully leverage the newly enforced Internet Transactions Act to dismantle the digital black market for mercury and other banned toxic products. The law, designed to safeguard Filipino consumers in online environments, could become a vital tool in halting the digital spread of pseudoscientific and dangerous goods.

“People should not be lured into using such a highly toxic chemical,” EcoWaste reiterated. “Mercury has no healing properties. It is not a mystical cure. It is a silent killer.”

They are urging the public to report vendors selling mercury or mercury-containing products to the DOH via docbrand@doh.gov.ph or through the DOH Toxicology Specialty Centers, where experts can provide accurate information on mercury’s hazards.

Science Over Superstition: A Wake-Up Call for the Nation

The DOH’s health advisory serves as a clarion call: Belief should never trump biology. In a society where folk medicine continues to occupy space in daily life, it’s crucial to draw the line where health is compromised.

For the EcoWaste Coalition and health-conscious Filipinos, this is more than a policy win—it’s a life-saving declaration. The battle now shifts from issuance to enforcement, from awareness to education, from superstition to science.

As we navigate a world where ancient fears still haunt modern minds, one message echoes loud and clear: mercury is poison—no matter the spell, no matter the curse.

If you suspect mercury poisoning or illegal sales, report immediately to docbrand@doh.gov.ph.

For medical inquiries, call the DOH Toxicology Centers.

Stay informed. Stay safe. Science protects—superstition endangers.

Invasion in Silver: Ateneo Biologists Sound Alarm on Alien Aquarium Fish Threatening Laguna de Bay Ecosystem

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Laguna de Bay, Philippines — A shimmering silver fish, once admired in aquariums, is now at the heart of an environmental alarm ringing across the country’s scientific and conservation communities. In a landmark study published in the Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology, biologists from Ateneo de Manila University have confirmed the presence of Barbonymus schwanefeldii—commonly known as the tinfoil barb—in the waters of Laguna de Bay, the Philippines' largest freshwater lake.

What seems like a harmless ornamental species has revealed itself as a potential ecological saboteur.

A Glittering Threat in the Depths

The tinfoil barb, a fast-growing, omnivorous fish native to Southeast Asia (but not the Philippines), is easily recognized by its glistening silver scales and vibrant fins—traits that make it a favorite among aquarium hobbyists. But beneath its dazzling appearance lies a dark ecological threat. According to the Ateneo research team, this alien species, once introduced into open waters, has the potential to outcompete native fish for food and breeding grounds.

The confirmation came after a detailed morphological analysis of a specimen captured in 2024. While previous sightings had circulated anecdotally or in unverified reports, this marks the first scientifically confirmed record of the species in the lake. The researchers warn that this could be the tip of the iceberg.

“Although ours was the first confirmed sighting of B. schwanefeldii in Laguna de Bay, sightings have also been reported in nearby rivers such as in Pagsanjan, Laguna, and elsewhere,” said lead biologist Kent Elson S. Sorgon. “We hope that local authorities can help raise awareness and put in further monitoring efforts—not just for this, but for other invasive species as well.”

The Bigger Picture: An Unfolding Ecological Crisis

Laguna de Bay, already suffering from urban runoff, overfishing, and pollution, now faces a fresh threat that could destabilize its ecosystem even further. The lake is not just a body of water—it is a lifeline for millions of Filipinos, providing fisheries, drinking water, irrigation, and even flood regulation for surrounding provinces and Metro Manila.

If left unchecked, the tinfoil barb could wreak havoc similar to past aquatic invasions such as the spread of tilapia or janitor fish—both non-native species that eventually led to massive disruptions in local aquatic biodiversity. The damage goes beyond fish populations; these disruptions ripple through the entire food web and pose long-term consequences for human communities reliant on the lake.

“The lake is already on the brink,” said environmental biologist Jazreen Nicole G. Parungo. “An aggressive and adaptable species like Barbonymus schwanefeldii could be the ecological tipping point.”

From Pet to Predator: How Did It Get Here?

While it remains unclear exactly how the species was introduced into Laguna de Bay, experts suspect that aquarium dumping—where pet owners release unwanted fish into local bodies of water—could be the culprit. This practice, though seemingly benign, often leads to devastating consequences when non-native species establish themselves in environments unequipped to handle them.

The researchers stressed the need for public awareness campaigns to discourage the release of pet fish into open water systems, as well as stringent regulations on the import and sale of non-native species.

A Call for Action: National Policy on Invasive Freshwater Species

In response to the growing concern, the study's authors urge policymakers to implement a comprehensive national inventory of alien freshwater species, alongside robust biosecurity frameworks and enforcement mechanisms. Current policies remain patchy, and enforcement is limited—especially in rural and peri-urban areas surrounding major lakes and rivers.

“This is not just about one species,” said co-author Mariko Franccesca R. Aboganda. “It’s about a larger issue of how we manage, or fail to manage, our freshwater ecosystems in the face of globalization, unregulated trade, and climate change.”

Preserving Our Lakes, Protecting Our Future

This discovery serves as a timely warning: even the smallest intrusions—like a pet fish—can have monumental consequences when left unchecked. For a country made up of thousands of islands, rivers, and lakes, the Philippines’ aquatic ecosystems are both a treasure and a responsibility.

With this newfound knowledge from the Ateneo team, the silver shimmer in Laguna de Bay is no longer a beautiful mystery—it’s a glimmering red flag.

The question now is whether we act in time—or allow another alien species to silently reshape our natural heritage, one ripple at a time.

A Breath of Fresh Air: SM Supermalls Redefines Retail with a Mission to Clean Urban Skies

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the heart of the urban jungle, where high-rises and concrete often drown out green spaces and breathable air, SM Supermalls is rewriting the story of city living—one mall at a time.

At SM, Shopping Means Sustainability

Gone are the days when malls were just centers of commerce. Today, they are sanctuaries—designed not only for convenience and leisure but also for climate resilience and public well-being. With a deep understanding of the environmental challenges faced by densely populated cities, SM Supermalls has transformed the retail experience into a powerful environmental statement.

From the open-air MOA Sky to the lush Sky Garden of SM North EDSA, SM is breathing new life into our cities—literally. These green spaces aren’t just beautiful—they’re functional, engineered to cool the environment, absorb pollutants, and promote wellness in the most unexpected of places.

Urban Design That Cares for People and the Planet

Imagine strolling through the sprawling arcades of SM Mall of Asia with the sea breeze in your hair and trees lining your path. Picture dining under the stars in SM Aura’s sky garden or resting on a shaded bench surrounded by endemic plants and bubbling water features in SM North EDSA.

These design elements aren’t just aesthetic. They are SM’s answer to the growing demand for breathable, livable cities. By combining architecture with ecology, SM malls offer a refreshing blend of nature and innovation, transforming how we experience urban life.

Pedaling Toward Cleaner Cities

In a bold step toward reducing carbon emissions, SM Supermalls is also championing a cycling culture. With over 5,000 dedicated bike parking spaces nationwide, they’re empowering Filipinos to ditch the car keys for pedals. Not only does this reduce air pollution by up to 90% for short trips, but it also fosters healthier lifestyles and less congested cities.

The movement is catching on fast. Across SM’s properties, communities of cyclists are growing—each ride a step closer to cleaner air and greener roads.

Native Flora for Native Hope

While most urban spaces rely on imported ornamental plants, SM takes it a step further by nurturing native species. These plants are more resilient, require less maintenance, and play a vital role in filtering pollutants and attracting local wildlife. From butterflies to birds, these small havens of biodiversity offer a glimpse into what a truly sustainable city can be.

Rethinking Transit: Making Green Travel Easy

To truly change the urban landscape, it’s not enough to create green spaces—we must also change how we move. That’s why SM Supermalls are reimagining mobility by making public transportation more accessible. With in-mall terminals for buses, jeepneys, and other modes of transport, SM is helping reduce car usage, ease traffic congestion, and cut down on citywide emissions.

The Electric Revolution Begins Here

The future is electric—and SM Supermalls is paving the way. With Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) now available in 69 malls nationwide, SM is giving EV drivers a convenient way to recharge while they shop, dine, or unwind. EVs can slash greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60%, and SM’s infrastructure investments are helping make this future more attainable for everyone.

Data-Driven Action for Clean Air

Perhaps most impressive is SM’s commitment to empowering communities with knowledge. Through a partnership with the Quezon City government, SM has implemented an air quality monitoring system that tracks real-time pollution levels. These readings are publicly accessible, allowing residents, researchers, and policymakers to take action based on real data—an essential step in creating accountability and lasting change.

40 Years of Community, Now 40 Years of Climate Action

This year, as SM Supermalls celebrates its 40th anniversary, the company isn't just looking back on decades of growth—it’s looking forward with bold environmental goals. From pioneering sustainable waste and energy management practices to investing in disaster resilience, SM is proving that a corporation can thrive while caring deeply for its people and the planet.

A Vision Realized, A Future Reimagined

SM Supermalls isn’t simply greening its buildings—it’s greening the future. Every mall visit becomes an opportunity to breathe easier, think clearer, and live better. In an era where urban pollution is one of the greatest threats to health and sustainability, SM’s commitment is a shining beacon—a reminder that progress and preservation can, and must, go hand in hand.

With each tree planted, each bike parked, and each electric vehicle recharged, SM Supermalls invites us to reimagine city life not as a burden on the environment, but as a partner in its protection. And in doing so, they aren’t just transforming malls—they’re transforming the cities we call home.