Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

Zyann Ambrosio

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17871380758901787138073234.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>Photo from National Bureau of Investigation </em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA -- The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clarified that the recent operation conducted in Davao was not a unilateral action, but a coordinated law enforcement effort involving multiple government agencies. </p><p>NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag emphasized that the operation was carried out in coordination with several agencies, including the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), Department of National Defense (DND), Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), and other partner units.</p><p>&quot;Malinaw naman, it’s not the NBI alone na nag-raid ng Davao. This is a coordinated law enforcement kasama ang PNRI,&quot; Matibag said on Wednesday.</p><p>Matibag said PNRI played a key role in determining possible radioactivity in materials recovered during the operation: “Sila yung nag-determine na radioactivity ng materyales.”</p><div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/8/18/nbi-files-cases-vs-davao-city-plant-manufacturing-radioactive-substandard-steel-2102"><strong>NBI files cases vs Davao City plant manufacturing radioactive, substandard steel</strong></a></div><p>Matibag rejected claims that the operation had no basis, stressing that the investigation was conducted prior to the enforcement action, including tracing the origin of steel materials allegedly used in collapsed structures. </p><p>“Bago tayo nag-raid, doon na natin inimbestigahan saan nanggaling yung mga bakal. At yun yung ating naging basihan,” he said.</p><p>He said the NBI is prepared to present video and photographic evidence showing steel materials bearing markings identified as “DMS,” which he said stands for Davao Mighty Steel.  </p><p>Matibag noted that the Davao steel facility is among several steel companies previously subjected to NBI operations. </p><p>“It so happened na nasa Davao yung steel factory. And ang sasabihin ko po sa inyo, itong Davao Steel na ito, pang lima na po ito sa steel companies na aming ni-raid,” said Matibag. </p><p>He said earlier operations were conducted in Luzon, including Bulacan and Pampanga, as part of a broader investigation into steel manufacturing and safety compliance.</p><p>On concerns raised regarding alleged injuries or exposure of workers, Matibag said the Department of Health observed indications of possible exposure to radioactive materials, making the issue a public health and safety concern. </p><div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/8/14/nbi-substandard-steel-found-at-davao-city-manufacturing-facility-1412"><strong>Gov’t raids Davao City facility allegedly manufacturing substandard steel </strong></a> </div><p>Matibag also addressed claims that law enforcement personnel intimidated individuals during the operation, including allegations that firearms were pointed at workers. He denied these claims, saying proper procedures were followed during the execution of the search warrant.</p><p>“Wala naman ginawa na ganoon. But law enforcement, siyempre, pag nag-enforce ka ng warrant, search warrant, lahat naman yan talagang meron namang mga dalang baril. But it’s not true. Their rights were respected,” he insisted.</p><p>He added that individuals subject of the operation were properly informed of their rights, and clarified that workers were not arrested but were instead removed from a hazardous situation.</p><div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/8/19/nbi-to-conduct-its-own-investigation-into-ateneo-de-zamboanga-shooting-incident-1721"><strong>NBI to conduct its own investigation into Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting incident</strong></a></div><p>Matibag said media representatives, including those from partner agencies, were present during the operation, and the NBI is preparing a more detailed report that will include documentation of the recovered materials and markings.</p><p>The NBI said the findings will be formally submitted following completion of the consolidated report on the operation.</p><div>  </div>

<p>The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clarified that the recent operation conducted in Davao was not a unilateral action, but a coordinated law enforcement effort involving multiple government agencies.</p>

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clarified that the recent operation conducted in Davao was not a unilateral action, but a coordinated law enforcement effort involving multiple government agencies.

NBI: Davao raid part of coordinated law enforcement operation; radioactivity, steel markings under investigation

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

NBI: Davao raid part of coordinated law enforcement operation; radioactivity, steel markings under investigation

Zyann Ambrosio,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 19, 2026 07:17 PM PHT

Read More:

Radioactive

Steel

NBI

Davao

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.