Ten Chinese nationals and four Filipinos were arrested while up to 174 Filipino workers were rescued after authorities raided a steel manufacturing facility in Davao City.

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and personnel of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) swooped down on the facility in Barangay Ilang on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

The raid followed an investigation into reports that the steel products manufactured there were allegedly substandard.

Up to 21 individuals, including corporate managers, supervisors, administrative personnel, and technical personnel, will face multiple charges for alleged violations of the Philippine Nuclear Safety Act (RA 1230); Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990 (RA 6969); Presidential Decree No. 1586; and the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

They have yet to issue a statement.

Of the 21 individuals, 10 Chinese nationals and four Filipinos were arrested during the operation, while 174 Filipino workers were rescued.

NBI Director, Atty. Melvin Matibag, arrived in Davao City morning on Friday, August 14, accompanied by PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Benjamin Acorda, Jr. and Assistant Secretary Felix Alicer of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“Tiningnan natin ang steel bars and we found out that 70 percent of the steel bars that was used na na-damaged na buildings specifically from Sarangani, Davao del Sur, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental may markings na DMS don sa Davao Mighty,” Matibag said.

Authorities said the steel products manufactured at the facility were reportedly hazardous to human health and the environment.

“Among the conditions that in the operation it should not involved toxic substances such as radioactive substances serious itong findings yesterday because PNRI has confirmed the presence of this toxic substances in the operation PPEs were not used by the workers in the area,” Alicer said.

Acorda stressed the potential long-term consequences of the issue and the need for the NBI and PAOCC to continue their investigation.

“What will happen to the next generation kung ang epekto niyan ay pangmatagalan. What if lahat ng building na yan ay aabutan ng sana hindi mangyari eh ang building nga sa Pampanga bumagsak wala pang lindol yan ang answer na binabalik ko kung bakit kailangang ipagpatuloy ng NBI at PAOCC ang trabaho,” Acorda said.

Matibag said they will coordinate with the local government of Davao City for a deeper investigation into the case.

“LGU is in the best position to identify kung sino yong mga nakabili nyan I am sure they have local permits also at the very least yung mga business permits ang na-iisyu dyan at saka work permit na magtatrabaho dyan may health clearance na hinihingi. I hope the local government will reach out and coordinate with the agency we will do that as well we will reach out to the local government,” Matibag added.

Meanwhile, Matibag clarified that his visit to Davao City had nothing to do with the reported arrest of Senator Ronald dela Rosa.

“Ang nahuli namin hindi bato, bakal,” Matibag said in jest.