- NBI, PAOCC ‘rescue’ 174 workers from unlicensed radioactive hazards
A JOINT law enforcement operation rescued 174 Filipino workers on Friday, Aug. 14, following a raid on a major steel manufacturing facility in Bunawan District over reported substandard steel products and radioactive materials.
National Bureau of Investigation director Atty. Melvin Matibag and Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Usec Benjamin Acorda flew to Davao City to lead the enforcement action against Davao Mighty Steel Corporation in Barangay Ilang.
Joint operatives reportedly found materials that posed severe health risks to its workforce and the surrounding community.
According to the preliminary findings from the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), Davao Mighty Steel Corporation possessed no valid license, permit, or authorization to handle, store, use, or distribute nuclear or radioactive substances.
The 174 rescued Filipino workers were immediately evacuated from the premises due to potential health hazards stemming from prolonged exposure to radiation sources inside the facility.
Federal inspectors also found quantities of substandard steel products being manufactured onsite, raising additional concerns regarding consumer safety and building code compliance across construction supply chains in Mindanao.
Matibag confirmed that federal agents and technical experts from the PNRI and relevant regulatory bodies are conducting comprehensive site assessments to secure the hazardous materials and safely decontaminate the facility.
Authorities are currently finalizing formal charges against the management and owners of Davao Mighty Steel Corporation for violations of national nuclear safety standards, labor laws, product quality regulations, and anti-organized crime statutes.
Photos courtesy of PAOCC
