In a campaign against the alleged opening of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), Japanese cycling enthusiasts and a Filipino organization have launched "Peace Cycle 2009."

The cyclists are planning to bike from Central Luzon to Bataan from March 7 to March 9 in a bid to stop the nuclear plant opening.

According to Pete Pinlac, Chairman of the Kilusan Para sa Pambansang Demokrasya (KPD), the welfare of workers should be considered if the power plant is reopened. He reportedly said that although the reopening would create jobs, safety concerns for workers and residents should be considered.

He said that if people are exposed to radiation and Lead, this can be difficult to cure and could prove fatal.

According to Ichiro Hirata of the Santama Peace Cycle Network, radiation can also impact plants and animals by altering the structure of the organisms. Any mutation by the exposed animal may reportedly have an effect on other plants and animals that humans consume.

Activities under the "Peace Cycle 2009" program include press conferences, peace cycling for worker's rights and economic sovereignty at the Subic Bay Freeport and Economic Zone, forums and discussions, a torch parade, and the launch of an Anti-BNPP caravan.  --  Report from Marieton Pacheco, ABS-CBN News