Jamaine Punzalan

Article (news)

Karen De Guzman

ABS-CBN News

DAVAO CITY (UPDATED) — Authorities raided a steel manufacturing facility in Davao City after tests found radioactive isotopes in some of its materials and separate testing raised concerns over the quality of its reinforcing steel bars. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and other government agencies served search warrants at the Davao Mighty Steel Corporation in Barangay Ilang, Bunawan, Davao City on Thursday.The raid stemmed from an NBI investigation into the company’s alleged manufacturing and distribution of substandard steel bars.Authorities found finished steel products, scrap metals, industrial powders and other materials used in the manufacturing of steel bars.“2012 pa na-establish itong kumpanya na ito pero lumalabas ngayon, ‘yun ang problema overtime. So that’s why malawak masyado ‘yung gagawin natin na imbestigasyon dito,&quot; NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag said.The investigation gained greater significance after authorities learned that DMS-marked steel bars were used in some structures that collapsed following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit Mindanao in June.“About 70% of the steel bars that was used doon sa mga na-damage na buildings specifically from Sarangani, Davao Del Sur,, and Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental where the markings of DMS, ito ‘yung sa Davao Mighty Steel,” Matibag said.Authorities, however, stressed that this does not mean the steel bars caused the collapse of the structures.PAOCC Executive Director Usec. Benjamin Acor­da Jr. said determining the cause of the collapses remains a matter for proper engineering and forensic investigation.“But when a separate testing raises questions about the quality of steel products, government has a responsibility to find out where these products went and whether other structures may have used them,” Acorda stressed.Technical examinations also confirmed the presence of radioactive isotopes in some materials found inside the facility.The radioactive materials were found in finished DMS rebars, furnace-related materials, industrial powders, dust, waste and other production materials.Authorities said the presence of these materials poses potential risks to workers at the plant and others who may be exposed.“Ang bakal na ginamit natin ngayon ay maaring manatili sa isang bahay, paaralan, hospital o tulay for decades. Whatever weakness or danger is built into the material can also remain with us for years. That is why worker protection and public safety must come before commercial interest,” Acorda said.The operation led to the rescue of 174 Filipino workers found inside the facility.The NBI and PAOCC also arrested 10 Chinese nationals and four Filipino nationals identified as incorporators of the steel manufacturing company.Seven other individuals are still being hunted and are expected to face multiple complaints, including alleged violations of the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act.The Davao steel plant remains shut down while the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) looks into the revocation of its Environmental Compliance Certificate.According to the DENR inspection cited by the PAOCC, the company’s ECC did not declare or authorize the presence, handling, processing, storage or use of radioactive materials inside the facility.<div> </div><div>CONNECTION TO PREVIOUS RAIDS</div>The NBI said this is the fifth raid it has conducted in connection with the alleged illegal operations of steel manufacturing facilities.Authorities are also looking into a possible connection between the Davao facility and the Sanjia Steel Corporation previously raided in Misamis Oriental, where 69 Chinese workers were arrested.Acorda earlier disclosed that a Chinese embassy official warned of ‘possible retaliation’ against Filipinos in China following the said raid.“I mentioned to them that we are doing what we are doing, PAOCC and NBI based on the mandate of our law. What if napabayaan natin ‘yan? Baka mas marami pa ‘yung mapatayo kaysa ma-raid ng NBI at PAOCC if we will not promote awareness,” Acorda maintained.The NBI and PAOCC said they will coordinate with other government agencies to secure the radioactive-bearing materials, protect workers and communities, and trace affected steel products already circulating in the market.They also plan to work with local governments, particularly in affected areas, to inform communities of the potential risks.<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/8/6/pco-probes-accounts-spreading-fake-news-on-dela-rosa-s-arrest-1409"></a><div><a class="fr-strong fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/8/6/pco-probes-accounts-spreading-fake-news-on-dela-rosa-s-arrest-1409">PCO probes accounts spreading fake news on Dela Rosa’s arrest</a></div><div> </div><div> </div>

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Friday it found substandard steel being manufactured at a facility in Davao City.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Friday it found substandard steel being manufactured at a facility in Davao City.

Gov’t raids Davao City facility allegedly manufacturing substandard steel

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Gov’t raids Davao City facility allegedly manufacturing substandard steel

Karen De Guzman,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 14, 2026 02:12 PM PHT

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Updated August 23, 2026 09:40 PM PHT

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