Authorities raided a steel manufacturing plant in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental on Saturday, where 69 Chinese nationals and one Filipino were discovered illegally working with potentially noxious or harmful materials.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. visited the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority following reports of an alleged illegal operation involving undocumented foreign nationals and Filipino workers handling potentially hazardous materials.
The visit was conducted in coordination with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), which sought assistance from the Department of National Defense (DND) in addressing the situation and ensuring the safety of workers and nearby communities.
Teodoro directed the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Northern Mindanao to immediately conduct a full inventory and accounting of employees affected by the halted operations.
He noted that the facility remains an active crime scene subject to an ongoing investigation and search warrant implementation.
The defense chief also instructed OCD Northern Mindanao to coordinate with agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Labor and Employment, to provide aid and employment assistance to displaced workers.
Citing possible exposure to hazardous substances, Teodoro ordered comprehensive medical examinations for personnel involved in the operation.
He also warned against any interference in the ongoing investigation, emphasizing that attempts to obstruct lawful operations would be dealt with accordingly.
“Binabalaan namin kung sino man ang magtatangkang makialam sa kaso na ito, kakasuhan namin ng obstruction of justice kahit sino pa ‘yan, dahil ito ay national security issue,” Teodoro said.
(We are warning those who will attempt to intervene in this case. We will sue you for obstruction of justice whoever you are because this is a national security issue.)
Teodoro was accompanied in the trip by PAOCC Undersecretary Benjamin Acorda, OCD regional director Antonio Sugarol, and representatives of the military and police establishments.
Operatives raided the steel plant in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental believed formerly owned by businessman Tony Yang, brother of former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang, who has been linked to several controversies.
According to a report by “24 Oras Weekend” on Saturday, joint operatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the PAOCC, the National Bureau of Investigation, and other law enforcement agencies served a search warrant on the management of Philippine Sanjia Steel Corp., where imported and locally sourced steel are being processed.
Initial findings indicated that materials processed in the plant might be harmful and could pose health risks to workers and nearby communities.
Authorities also warned that steel products manufactured at the facility could be substandard and dangerous if used in construction projects in the country.
Teodoro likewise raised concerns over the plant’s proximity to a naval facility currently being constructed in the province, saying it could pose a threat to national security.
According to the DND, Tony Yang was arrested in 2024 for alleged involvement in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs).
The DND said it is currently investigating all companies operating within the state-run industrial complex, while company representatives and officials have been directed to explain the alleged violations.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated. An earlier edition of this story incorrectly cited the location in Cagayan de Oro City. This information has been corrected.
