Davao city: The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) confirmed that the recent raid on Davao Mighty Steel Corporation was conducted with a court-issued search warrant. This operation followed an investigation into allegations of substandard steel products and the discovery of radioactive isotopes at the facility.
According to Philippines News Agency, Police Lt. Col. Michelle Olaivar, PAOCC media affairs relations officer, explained in a Bagong Pilipinas interview that the operation was led by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), with PAOCC's coordination alongside other government agencies. Olaivar emphasized the legal foundation of the operation, highlighting the thorough investigation that preceded the raid, which focused on the production and sale of substandard steel products.
Olaivar addressed concerns about the legality and necessity of the raid, reassuring that the workers were not the targets of the operation. She asserted that the primary goal was to ensure that employees were working in a safe and legitimate environment. Laboratory tests revealed that some steel bars at the facility failed to meet government safety standards, posing a public safety risk if used in construction.
Further technical examination uncovered the presence of radioactive isotopes, including uranium-238, uranium-232, and radium-226, alongside other environmental and regulatory violations. Olaivar stated that while authorities are actively investigating these issues, they are also providing assistance to affected workers.
Olaivar clarified that the presence of radioactive materials does not necessarily indicate immediate danger to those near the facility. The level of risk depends on radiation levels and exposure duration. Current efforts focus on containment, rigorous testing, and ongoing scientific assessments to guarantee public safety.
As a precaution, 174 Filipino workers were evacuated from the facility due to potential exposure, particularly those employed there for extended periods. During the operation, 14 individuals were arrested, including 10 Chinese nationals and four Filipinos, with a total of 21 individuals charged and under investigation. Seven suspects remain at large.
Olaivar refrained from providing further details about the arrested foreign workers, including the legality of their presence in the country. She mentioned that the company might resume operations upon fulfilling government requirements.
