LAW enforcement agents inspect a steel manufacturing plant in Magalang, Pampanga during a joint inter-agency raid on a steel mill. Authorities discovered radioactive Thorium isotopes and accounted for 323 workers during the operation targeting alleged nuclear safety and consumer law violations.
PHOTOGRAPH courtesy of Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission
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A joint law enforcement task force raided a steel manufacturing plant in Pampanga province on Saturday, uncovering radioactive materials and detaining dozens of foreign workers, authorities said.
Agents from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the National Bureau of Investigation raided Chuangxing Steel Inc. in Barangay Navaling on 18 July under search warrants issued by the Cabanatuan City Regional Trial Court Branch 26.
Authorities suspect the company violated Republic Act 12305, known as the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, and produced steel products that fail to meet national quality standards in violation of the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
During the search, inspectors discovered significant quantities of raw materials, by-products and waste containing radioactive Thorium isotopes.
The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) collected additional samples, including finished steel products, for laboratory testing.
The operation, which involved the Department of National Defense, the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Coast Guard, accounted for 323 workers on site, including 283 Filipinos and 40 Chinese nationals.
Immigration officials are holding the 40 Chinese employees for further verification after they failed to present valid travel and work permits. Two key company officials found on-site were also detained in connection with the nuclear safety investigation.
Task force officials said the test results from PNRI will determine whether further charges will be filed, including potential violations of Republic Act 6969, the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act.
PAOCC executive director Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. said the government remains committed to enforcing nuclear and hazardous material safety laws, stressing that the investigation remains active and those responsible will face prosecution.
