Authorities released the 69 Chinese nationals and one Filipino arrested during a raid at a steel mill plant in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

The National Prosecution Service in Manila ordered the release of the suspects after the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) failed to provide sufficient evidence to support allegations of possession, distribution, or manufacture of radioactive materials.

In a 25-page resolution, prosecutors said the alleged violations of labor, immigration, and consumer protections laws were also not established.

However, 11 individuals who were not arrested during the raid will undergo preliminary investigation to determine possible legal violations.

It can be recalled that the suspects were arrested during the implementation of search warrants on May 15, 2026, which also led to the discovery of alleged violations involving hazardous materials, labor standards, immigration regulations, and consumer protection laws.

NBI earlier said some of the foreigners arrested reportedly lacked valid alien employment permits while others had no valid passports or immigration documents.

In a statement, the company’s legal counsel denied the claims of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and NBI that the Chinese nationals had no documents.

The company said their Chinese personnel, whom they referred to as “Chinese technical personnel,” complied with regulations.