21 nabbed in factory over substandard, radioactive steel in Davao City 

Twenty-one individuals, including 10 Chinese nationals, were arrested at a factory in Davao City after the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) discovered the facility was allegedly selling and distributing substandard and radioactive steel.

In a “24 Oras” report by GMA Regional TV’s Jandee Esteban on Friday, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) confirmed the presence of toxic substances at the site, which exposed workers to hazardous conditions.

“The PNRI has confirmed the presence of these toxic substances, and as well as in the operations it was shown that PPEs (personal protective equipment) were not used by the workers,” Department of Environment and Natural Resources Asst. Secretary Felix Alicer said.

The raid was conducted jointly with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and resulted in the rescue of 174 Filipino workers.

Ten of the arrested Chinese nationals were identified as corporate managers, supervisors, and administrative or technical personnel.

The 21 suspects will face charges for violating the Philippine Nuclear Safety Act, the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990 (R.A. 6969), Presidential Decree No. 1586, and the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

According to PAOCC, the subject of the operation, Davao Mighty Steel Corporation, was allegedly manufacturing and distributing substandard reinforcing steel bars.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the Davao Mighty Steel Corporation, but the firm has yet to respond as of posting time.

Earlier, the NBI had raided another steel factory in Pampanga that was also manufacturing substandard, radioactive materials. Authorities suspect that the factory supplied materials for a building in Angeles, Pampanga, that collapsed in May.

This has raised serious concerns within the PAOCC regarding structures built with steel distributed from Davao City.

“What if lahat ng building na ‘yan ay biglang abutan ng—sana hindi naman, hindi naman natin pinagdarasal. Eh kung ‘yung sa isang building diyan sa Pampanga bumagsak wala pang lindol,” PAOCC Executive Director Usec. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said.

(What if all those buildings suddenly experience an issue—hopefully not, we certainly pray that doesn't happen. But if that building in Pampanga collapsed even without an earthquake, it's a major concern.)

The NBI stated it will continue coordinating with city officials to investigate further.

“I’m sure they have local permits. Also at the very least ‘yung mga business permits niyan na na-issue diyan eh tsaka ‘yung mga work permit nung mga nagtatrabaho diyan may mga health clearance na hinihingi,” NBI Director Melvin Matibag said.

(I am sure they hold local permits. At the very least, we need to inspect the business permits that were issued, as well as the work permits and health clearances required for the employees working there.)

Matibag clarified that his visit to Davao City was unrelated to efforts to locate Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. —LDF, GMA News