Manila: Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday warned of legal actions against anyone who would intervene in the government's investigation into the raided steel plant in Misamis Oriental.

According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro issued the statement after commending the unified efforts of law enforcement and government agencies in executing a search warrant against the Sanjia Complex at the PHIVIDEC Compound in Tagoloan town. Sanjia is also known as the Philippine Sanjia Steel Corporation, which reportedly began operations on October 17, 2018.

Teodoro stated that the raid uncovered "grave crimes" allegedly committed by the Chinese principals of Sanjia under Tony Yang and his associates against Filipinos. Tony Yang is the brother of former economic adviser Michael Yang. The siblings have also been linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators.

Teodoro further mentioned that the Office of Civil Defense in Region 10 is coordinating targeted interventions with line government agencies to safeguard the health and welfare of the community and assist displaced and allegedly exploited workers of Sanjia. He emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation of PHIVIDEC and accountability for those responsible, whether by cooperation, negligence, or omission.

Authorities reported that 69 Chinese nationals were arrested during the May 15 interagency raid and are now under the custody of local officials. They face possible charges for violations of Republic Act 12305 or the Philippine Nuclear Energy and Safety Act, as well as potential charges under Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act, Presidential Decree 442 or the Labor Code, and relevant immigration laws.

Investigators revealed that the steel facility allegedly used scrap materials from China contaminated with hazardous radioactive elements such as uranium 238, thorium 228, and thorium 232, all classified as highly radioactive materials.