COURTESY: PNA
The Explosive Raid That Shook Misamis Oriental
Authorities busted Philippine Sanjia Steel Corporation in Tagoloan last Saturday, uncovering a toxic mess. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and NBI teamed up to investigate links between the raided plant and shady figures in government and private sectors. Executives connected to powerful insiders, and now officials hunt for five incorporators – three Filipinos and two Chinese nationals.
Transitioning to the human cost, they arrested 69 Chinese nationals who wore protective gear while Filipino workers lacked any. Matibag called it a rescue for the 120 locals pulled from danger. Meanwhile, the plant used radioactive scrap from China loaded with Uranium 238, Thorium 228, and Thorium 232, triggering serious violations.
Fallout Hits Workers, Safety, and Public Trust
Displaced 316 workers now receive aid from DOLE and DSWD for livelihood and psychosocial support. Fortunately, no acute radiation symptoms showed up yet, but concerns linger. PNRI detected elevated radiation in warehouses and production areas, and substandard steel bars may already sit in buildings and bridges nationwide.
Officials warn these faulty materials fail key tests and threaten infrastructure safety. The company, tied to Tony Yang and starting operations in 2018, faces charges under nuclear safety, consumer, labor, and immigration laws. Investigators push forward to hold everyone accountable, including past government officials involved.
