The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) raided a facility belonging to the reported steel supplier of the collapsed hotel that was still under construction in Angeles City, Pampanga, according to a Tuesday report by RH 15 Jecelle Ricafort.
In a press conference, NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag said the bureau is looking into the possibility that this same steel company supplied the metal used in faulty flood control projects, especially given its reach in the market.
Several portions of the aforementioned building were built with metal from steel company Chuangxing Steel Incorporated, based on markings found on its metal parts, Matibag said.
Chuangxing Steel Inc. manufactures substandard metal parts, as well as radioactive materials, he added.
Facility raid
During the raid, four individuals were arrested, and 400 workers were rescued from hazardous work conditions. Of this number, 347 are Filipino, and 37 are Chinese nationals.
The Department of Health (DOH) said that 10 of the workers developed symptoms of occupational radiological exposure due to the alpha and gamma-emitting materials in the facility.
The bureau also discovered that the workers were subjected to extensive labor and occupational safety and wage-related violations. They were also deprived of mandatory employee benefits and were not provided personal protective equipment.
Moreover, the raid yielded ₱3 billion worth of radioactive-bearing and substandard finished steel products.
Immediate response
The NBI recommended that 12 of the company officers, incorporators, stakeholders, and the four arrested be prosecuted.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other relevant agencies promptly ordered the company to cease operations to halt the distribution of hazardous construction materials.
Matibag and PAOCC Executive Director Benjamin Acorda warned those with similar businesses to adhere to laws in place, as the public’s well-being relies on their compliance.
Furthermore, the NBI and PAOCC have been coordinating with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and contractors to warn them about purchasing Chuangxing Steel Inc.’s metal products in building homes, schools, hospitals, bridges, evacuation centers, and other critical infrastructures.
The arrested individuals face multiple charges in connection with alleged violations of the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act, the Philippine Clean Air Act, and the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
