Photo by: National Bureau of Investigation
MAGALANG, Pampanga — Authorities have uncovered what they described as a major industrial and public safety threat after discovering the alleged unlawful possession of radioactive-bearing industrial materials and the production of structurally substandard steel products at a steel manufacturing facility in Magalang, Pampanga.
The operation, conducted on July 18, stemmed from a joint intelligence and law enforcement investigation by the National Bureau of Investigation’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives and Foreign Malign Influence Unit (CFMIU), the Office of the Director, and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
Authorities implementing search warrants seized radioactive-bearing industrial materials, contaminated production equipment, and allegedly substandard finished steel products from CHUANGXING STEEL INCORPORATED with an estimated value exceeding ₱3 billion. Four company officers were arrested during the operation.
Government agencies also secured the safety of 347 Filipino and 37 Chinese workers employed at the facility.
Photo by: National Bureau of Investigation
The operation was supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), Philippine Air Force and Philippine Coast Guard CBRN Units, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Health (DOH), and the local government of Magalang.
Authorities said the operation prevented the continued manufacture and nationwide distribution of steel products that allegedly failed to comply with mandatory Philippine National Standards. Investigators noted that such materials could have been used in residential buildings, schools, hospitals, bridges, airports, seaports, government facilities, military installations, and other critical infrastructure projects.
Inspections likewise uncovered alleged violations of labor and occupational safety regulations, including wage-related deficiencies, failure to provide mandatory employee benefits, the absence of occupational safety and health programmes, inadequate personal protective equipment, and unsafe industrial operations.
Photo by: National Bureau of Investigation
The PNRI detected alpha- and gamma-emitting radioactive materials within the facility, prompting health assessments by the DOH. Authorities said 10 workers were identified as having suspected occupational radiological exposure and were advised to undergo continued medical evaluation and long-term health monitoring.
Meanwhile, the DENR ordered the immediate suspension of the facility’s operations after determining that it posed an imminent threat to worker safety, public health, and the environment.
Investigators also reported discovering evidence of coin melting for industrial purposes, undeclared metallurgical equipment, including an additional furnace, six industrial lathe machines, and other heavy-duty metalworking equipment. Authorities likewise found tungsten pellets, whose presence they said appeared unrelated to the company’s declared manufacturing operations.
Based on the investigation, the NBI said it established probable cause to believe the company unlawfully possessed, processed, stored, transported, and utilised radioactive-bearing industrial materials without the licences and regulatory authorisations required under Philippine law while manufacturing reinforcing steel bars that allegedly failed to meet national quality standards.
The NBI has recommended the filing of criminal charges against 12 company officers, incorporators, and stockholders, including the four individuals arrested during the implementation of the search warrants.
The recommended charges include alleged violations of the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act (Republic Act No. 12305), Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act (Republic Act No. 6969), Environmental Impact Statement System (Presidential Decree No. 1586), Philippine Clean Air Act (Republic Act No. 8749), Consumer Act of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 7394), and other applicable laws.
The investigation remains ongoing. (Press Released)