Manila: Over PHP3 billion worth of radioactive-bearing industrial materials, contaminated production equipment, and structurally substandard finished steel products were confiscated in a raid on July 18 at Chuangxing Steel Inc. in Magalang, Pampanga, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) reported on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the operation was carried out in collaboration with multiple agencies, including the National Bureau of Investigation, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, and several others, following months of intelligence gathering and interagency coordination. The raid aimed to address potential violations involving substandard steel products, radioactive materials, worker safety, environmental protection, and the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act.

In his recent State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of safe and resilient infrastructure, as well as the need to update the building code. The PAOCC highlighted that the integrity of structures begins with the integrity of the materials, as independent laboratory tests revealed that steel bars marked 'CX' failed to meet Philippine National Standards.

The raid also halted the manufacture and distribution of construction materials that posed a significant threat to public safety and national resilience. The PAOCC stressed every Filipino's right to expect safe and compliant materials in both homes and public infrastructure.

During the operation, 347 Filipino workers and 37 Chinese nationals were removed from hazardous conditions at the facility. Four company officers were arrested, and evidence was collected concerning labor and workplace safety violations, including wage-related issues and the absence of personal protective equipment.

The PAOCC noted that workers faced chemical, radiological, and industrial hazards, citing the Department of Health's identification of 10 workers with suspected occupational radiological exposure. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has ordered an immediate halt to the company's operations due to the imminent threat posed to worker safety, public health, and environmental integrity.

Additionally, the PAOCC discovered that Philippine peso coins were being melted and used as industrial feedstock. Charges have been recommended against the company for violations of several acts, including the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act and the Philippine Clean Air Act.