The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said it was merely carrying out its mandate and enforcing the law when it raided a steel manufacturing facility in Davao City, which resulted in many workers losing their jobs.
PAOCC personnel and agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided the facility of Davao Mighty Steel Corporation in Barangay Ilang on August 13, 2026 for allegedly manufacturing and distributing substandard steel products.
They arrested 10 Chinese nationals and four Filipinos, and rescued 174 Filipino workers.
Authorities said the facility posed health risks to employees due to the alleged presence of radioactive materials.
“Para sa ating kababayang workers, we sympathize with them. Mahirap mawalan ng trabaho. On the part ng PAOCC, kailangan gawin natin ang mandato at kung ano ang nakasaad sa batas sa kung ano ang nakikita nating (ikabubuti) para sa kababayan,” PAOCC Executive Director, Usec. Benjamin Acorda Jr., said.
Operations at the facility have been suspended, as of this writing, while a thorough investigation is ongoing.
PAOCC said it is willing to work with employees to help secure their benefits and find new employment opportunities.
“Hindi po kami kalaban, hindi po kami kalaban ang PAOCC at NBI, kakampi po kami, magtulungan po tayo how to get your benefits and also to find employment din,” Acorda added.
The more than 200 workers affected have sought assistance from the city government.
The Office of Civil Defense-Davao (OCD-11) also coordinated with government agencies concerned to provide immediate assistance to the workers affected.
“Ang amoa dira is to coordinate with partner agencies sa disaster council, DOLE, DSWD ug others kung unsay mahatag nato ngadto sa family nga ma-impact sa maong law enforcement,” OCD-11 Chief, Ednar Dayanghirang, said.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Davao (DSWD-11) also said it will provide assistance to the affected workers and their families, depending on their needs.
“We will provide material aid or food packs any we will assess further intervention na naibibigay natin depende sa situation sa affected employee together with their families,” DSWD-11 Director, Merlinda Paragamac, said.
