Several business organizations have expressed support for the government investigation into Philippine Sanjia Steel Corp. after its Misamis Oriental plant was closed due to radioactive materials.
In a joint statement released on Thursday, groups including the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute, Federation of Philippine Industries, and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry called for a thorough, lawful, and objective probe. They highlighted concerns over regulatory oversight, public safety, and national security.
The organizations backed the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, Department of National Defense, National Bureau of Investigation, and Armed Forces of the Philippines in the inquiry. They urged authorities to address any violations through due process without interference.
The 22.6-hectare plant at the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate was shut down following the discovery of radioactive materials. The facility is operated by a company linked to Chinese businessman Tony Yang, who was arrested in 2024 for falsifying citizenship documents.
The groups also advocated for broader reviews of industrial safety standards and reforms on hazardous materials management.