Manila: The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), in collaboration with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), has launched an investigation into a steel plant in Misamis Oriental, focusing on its connections to individuals within the private and government sectors. This follows a raid on the plant, which has been linked to the possession of radioactive materials and substandard steel production.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a press briefing, Undersecretary Benjamin Acorda Jr. and NBI Director Melvin Matibag revealed that the executives of the Philippine Sanjia Steel Corporation are connected with several individuals in governmental and private institutions across the country. Authorities are actively searching for five incorporators of Sanjia, three Filipinos and two Chinese nationals, as part of the ongoing investigation.
Director Matibag stated that those found responsible, including government officials or former officials involved in the plant's operations, will face legal charges. Undersecretary Acorda confirmed that the 69 Chinese nationals arrested are currently in custody, awaiting charges for violating Republic Act 12305, the Philippine Nuclear Energy and Safety Act. Additional charges under the Consumer Act, Labor Code, and relevant immigration laws are also being considered.
The investigation has uncovered that the facility utilized scrap materials from China contaminated with hazardous radioactive elements including Uranium 238, Thorium 228, and Thorium 232. "It is about exposing the disturbing realities uncovered inside Philippine Sanjia-Steel Corporation," Acorda remarked, highlighting serious violations related to hazardous materials, labor standards, and consumer protection regulations.
The raid led to the displacement of 316 workers and the rescue of 120 Filipino workers. Matibag noted discrepancies in safety measures, with Chinese nationals wearing protective gear while Filipino workers did not, suggesting awareness of radioactive hazards. Despite this, none of the rescued workers displayed acute symptoms of radiation exposure, according to Health Emergency Management Bureau Director Bernadette Velasco.
Support for the affected workers is underway, with the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Social Welfare and Development providing livelihood and psychosocial interventions. The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute reported elevated radiation levels in certain facility areas, including warehouses and production zones.
Concerns have also been raised over the alleged substandard quality of steel bars produced by the company. Matibag warned that these might have been used in infrastructure projects, posing potential health and safety risks. Laboratory tests by the DTI-Bureau of Philippine Standards revealed failures in mass variation, elongation, and surface deformation, indicating the possible circulation of substandard construction materials.
The plant is reportedly owned by Tony Yang, brother of former economic adviser Michael Yang, both linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators. The company began its operations on October 17, 2018, further intensifying the investigation into its practices and affiliations.
