Radiation Contamination Found in Misamis Oriental Steel Plant
The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) has confirmed that parts of a steel manufacturing plant in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, exhibit elevated radioactivity, following allegations that the facility produces substandard steel. Authorities also discovered that despite the radiation hazard, Filipino workers are not provided with personal protective equipment (PPE), while some undocumented Chinese workers reportedly have full protection.
"Filipinos are not disposable labor. Filipinos must never be subjected to unsafe working conditions," said Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Executive Director Benjamin Acorda. The PNRI warned that because the materials are radioactive, the steel products manufactured at the plant may also be radioactive, posing serious public safety risks.
The plant, believed to be owned by Tony Yang, brother of former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang, began operations in 2017. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is continuing its investigation into the extent of the plant's operations and possible distribution of its products. Bombo Radyo Philippines is still seeking a statement from the plant.
