Former Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers has urged the public and construction sectors to exercise extreme caution against using or purchasing steel bars produced by Davao Mighty Steel Corporation.
The warning follows a joint law enforcement operation conducted on August 14 by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission at the firm’s facility in Barangay Ilang, Bunawan District, Davao City.
The raid resulted in the apprehension of 10 Chinese nationals and the rescue of over 100 Filipino workers reportedly exposed to dangerous radioactive materials.
Authorities are investigating allegations of substandard manufacturing, radioactive contamination, environmental degradation, labor and immigration infractions involving foreign nationals, and potential customs violations.
Probers noted structural similarities with Philippine Sanjia Steel Corporation in Misamis Oriental, which was previously raided for using similar electric arc furnace systems, local and imported scrap metals, and foreign technical workers.
”Steel is not an ordinary commodity. It is the backbone of buildings, bridges, schools, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure. Every Filipino family has the right to expect that the materials used in these structures comply with the highest safety standards,” Barbers said.
Barbers emphasized that while the ongoing investigation must remain fair and evidence-based, regulatory oversight must remain vigilant to protect the public from hazardous building materials.
”If these allegations are confirmed through scientific testing and due process, the implications go far beyond defective construction materials,” Barbers said.
”They raise serious concerns about public safety, worker welfare, environmental protection, and the integrity of our regulatory system. The government owes the Filipino people clear answers on whether unsafe steel products entered the market, how long they were distributed, and whether safeguards meant to protect the public were circumvented.”
The former lawmaker called on the NBI, PAOCC, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment, and other relevant government bodies to coordinate their inquiries closely.
“These similarities warrant a thorough examination of whether the cases are isolated incidents or part of a broader pattern that deserves closer scrutiny,” he said.
”Those who were arrested are entitled to the full protection of the law and the presumption of innocence. Investigators, on the other hand, must be allowed to pursue the facts without interference or undue pressure. The evidence should ultimately determine accountability,” he said.
Barbers also appealed directly to project developers, contractors, hardware suppliers, and state procurement offices to strictly verify the compliance of all raw construction components.
”The strength of our buildings begins with the quality of the steel that goes into them. Protecting lives must always come before profit,” Barbers said.