DAVAO CITY(August 20) — The discovery of radioactive-bearing and substandard steel bars in a Davao City facility has raised broader concerns over construction safety and regulatory oversight in Mindanao.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed complaints with the Department of Justice against Davao Mighty Steel Corporation (DMS) after finding that the company used radioactive materials in steel production and that some products had already reached the market.
The facility was raided on Aug. 13, leading to the rescue of 174 workers.
Radioactive materials and substandard steel
NBI tests found uranium and thorium in DMS rebars above safety limits set by the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute. Separate tests also showed that half of sampled products from hardware stores failed national standards for steel quality.
Authorities are now determining where the affected steel was distributed and whether it was used in structures, including those damaged in the June 8 magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao.
Regulatory gaps under scrutiny
Investigators said DMS lacked proper authorization to handle radioactive materials, while its environmental clearance did not cover such operations. This points to possible lapses in monitoring and enforcement.
The NBI also said the contaminated steel had already entered commercial circulation, raising the need for a wider product trace and possible recall.
Workers and wider accountability
Authorities are also assessing whether the 174 rescued workers were exposed to radiation and whether proper safety measures were in place.
The case has been referred to the DOJ for possible violations of environmental, nuclear safety, and consumer protection laws.
Officials said the issue goes beyond one company, highlighting weaknesses in the supply chain from manufacturing to construction.
With reconstruction ongoing after the earthquake, regulators face pressure to identify where the affected steel was used and ensure public safety in rebuilding efforts.
