Manila: Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has assured retired police and military generals that a thorough investigation will be conducted on PHIVIDEC, which came under scrutiny after a government raid on a steel plant where alleged hazardous materials were found last month. Teodoro gave the assurance during his meeting with members of the Association of Generals and Flag Officers (AGFO) at Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of National Defense (DND) confirmed that Secretary Teodoro assured AGFO that the DND will undertake a serious and thorough investigation of PHIVIDEC and take steps to ensure that such incidents do not occur again. The Defense Chief reaffirmed the Department's commitment to hold those responsible, whether through direct involvement, negligence, or omission, accountable.
The DND further stated that during the meeting, AGFO members stressed the need for strict enforcement of environmental, safety, and national security regulations after suspected hazardous materials were uncovered during government operations at Philippine Sanjia Steel Corporation in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental on May 15. PHIVIDEC, or the Philippine Veterans Investment Development Corporation, operates the 3,000-hectare economic zone that hosts the manufacturing plant.
AGFO earlier commended the coordinated operation led by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, along with the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, and Armed Forces of the Philippines, describing the raid as a strong demonstration of the government's resolve to hold local and foreign entities accountable under Philippine law.
"Secretary Teodoro and the AGFO, led by Chairman and President Police Maj. Gen. German B. Doria (ret), underscored the importance of a whole-of-government approach in addressing threats to national security, public safety, and community welfare," the DND said. Both sides emphasized the need for a thorough and transparent investigation, noting that the issue poses risks not only to workers but also to nearby communities.
