The Department of National Defense (DND) has ordered an investigation into individuals allegedly linked to a steel manufacturing company tied to Chinese businessman Tony Yang, following a raid that uncovered suspected national security violations in Misamis Oriental.
According to a report by Edniel Parrosa, the operation, conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) alongside the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), resulted in the discovery of 69 foreign nationals suspected of being illegal aliens.
Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. said authorities are looking into possible accomplices behind the firm’s operations inside the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority in Tagoloan town, where the facility was shut down over the alleged handling of hazardous materials and other violations.
Teodoro said the steel company was operating within a government-owned industrial estate but clarified that the government had no direct role in its operations, noting that PHIVIDEC is a semi-autonomous government-owned and controlled corporation.
Despite its location within property under DND jurisdiction, Teodoro stressed that the company’s activities were not sanctioned by the department.
Authorities identified the firm as being owned by Tony Yang, who is reportedly the brother of Michael Yang, a former adviser to ex-President Rodrigo Duterte who has been linked to illegal drug activities.
Teodoro raised concerns over the businessman’s identity, alleging that Tony Yang had falsified his Filipino citizenship, and emphasized that the matter is expected to be taken up in a Senate investigation.
“So, I mean, hindi tayo nagsasalita ng panaginip dito. Tutunay ito. Iimbestigahan pa nga sa Senado ito," the Defense Secretary said.
The raid was prompted by complaints received by authorities regarding the improper and unpermitted handling of materials believed to be hazardous, posing potential risks to public safety and national security.
The Office of Civil Defense is continuing its assessment of possible health and environmental impacts on nearby communities.
Officials noted that the same region was previously linked to a dismantled network involving depleted uranium materials in 2024, heightening concerns over the latest discovery.
Teodoro warned that anyone attempting to obstruct the investigation would face legal consequences.
“Kakasuhan namin ang obstruction of justice kahit sino pa yan. Dahil ito ay national security issue,” he said, adding that authorities will conduct a full inventory of all industrial locators in the estate to determine their legitimacy.
The investigation remains ongoing.
