NBI, PAOCC Raid Davao Steel Plant Over Substandard, Radioactive Materials; 174 Workers Rescued

NEWS | Operatives from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) launched a major joint operation on Friday, August 14, 2026, against Davao Mighty Steel Corporation located in Barangay Ilang, Bunawan, Davao City. The raid resulted in the discovery of unlicensed radioactive materials and substandard construction products, alongside the rescue of nearly 200 factory workers.

NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag and PAOCC Undersecretary Benjamin Acorda Jr. personally led the enforcement action following intelligence reports regarding hazardous industrial conditions and uncertified operations inside the manufacturing facility.

According to PAOCC, specialized testing inside the plant and on its products detected the presence of several alpha- and gamma-emitting radioactive isotopes, including Uranium-238, Thorium-228, Thorium-232, and Radium-226. The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) confirmed that Davao Mighty Steel Corporation holds no valid license or authorization to handle, store, use, transport, or sell any form of nuclear or radioactive material.

Aside from the severe radiological hazards, the facility was flagged for manufacturing structurally compromised construction goods. Laboratory evaluations of the plant's reinforcing steel bars (rebars) revealed that four out of eight collected steel samples failed to meet the mandatory mass-variation and structural integrity requirements set under Philippine National Standard (PNS) 49:2020.

A total of 174 Filipino workers were safely evacuated and rescued from the facility amid acute medical concerns over potential occupational exposure to these radioactive-bearing substances. Authorities are coordinating with health and social welfare agencies to provide immediate medical screening, psychosocial support, and standard interventions for the affected personnel.

Director Matibag emphasized the grave public threat posed by the plant's output, warning that substandard steel may have already entered local distribution networks. The NBI has officially referred the case to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the immediate filing of criminal charges against the company's management. The charges will cover extensive violations of nuclear safety guidelines, hazardous waste management regulations, environmental protection laws, and consumer safety acts.

Law enforcement agencies are currently expanding their investigation to trace and recall any compromised steel products that may have already been deployed in local infrastructure or housing projects.

Courtesy: Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission