10 workers at raided Pampanga steel plant show radiation symptoms —expert

Ten of the 283 workers at a raided steel facility in Pampanga have shown symptoms of radiation exposure, according to an expert, following the discovery of highly radioactive steel products at the plant.

In a “24 Oras” report by John Consulta on Tuesday, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recovered P1 billion worth of steel products at the plant.

The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) said exposure to highly radioactive steel poses severe health risks to the body.

“‘Yung mga soft tissues natin sa loob ng katawan. So ‘yun po ang dina-damage po. Also po ‘yung dugo natin magiging infected na siya with radiation,” said PNRI Supervising Science Research Specialist Maria Teresa Salabit.

(It damages our internal soft tissues. Additionally, our blood becomes contaminated with radiation.)

The raided metal plant was identified as a facility of Chuangxin Steel Incorporated.

Based on the authorities' investigation, they discovered that the seized steel products were also substandard and may have been used in the construction of the nine-story building that collapsed in Angeles City, Pampanga, last May 24.

“Andiyan din ‘yung pictures, ayun yung markings. There are strong indications, kung hindi man lahat, there’s substantial presence nung mga steel bars na galing doon sa Chuangxin,” NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag said.

(The photos and markings are all there. There are strong indications that a substantial amount of the steel bars—if not all—came from Chuangxin.)

The NBI also recovered large volumes of coins at the factory intended for melting, which is illegal under Philippine laws.

“Nakita po natin ‘no, kasi mayroon naman tayong mga videos noon. Mounds of coins are being melted on a monthly basis. In fact, ang delivery po ay one to two barrels,” NBI-CFMIU agent on case Lyka Conales said.

(We saw it ourselves, and we have video footage of it. Mounds of coins were being melted on a monthly basis. In fact, deliveries arrived in one to two barrels at a time.)

“We’re investigating what the purpose is, san nila gagamitin, and also looking at the possible violations [sa] ating Bangko Sentral laws,” Matibag added.

(We are investigating their motive, how they intended to use the melted metal, and potential violations of Bangko Sentral laws.)

GMA News is reaching out to Chuangxin Steel Incorporated for a statement and will update the story once available.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) earlier issued a cease-and-desist order against the steel company. —Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/GMA News