The Department of National Defense (DND) has launched an investigation into possible lapses within the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority following a raid on the Sanjia Steel complex in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental linked to controversial businessman Tony Yang.
In a statement, the DND said it is conducting a “serious and thorough investigation” into PHIVIDEC’s oversight and vowed to hold accountable individuals found liable through negligence, omission, or direct cooperation related to the incident.
The defense department also commended the coordinated operation led by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF), along with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), and supporting Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) units.
Authorities said the operation stemmed from the implementation of a search warrant at the Sanjia complex inside the PHIVIDEC compound, where investigators allegedly uncovered serious crimes involving Chinese nationals connected to Yang and his supposed local dummies.
The DND did not elaborate on the specific violations discovered during the operation but described them as “grave crimes committed against Filipinos.”
Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense in Northern Mindanao has begun coordinating with government agencies to provide assistance and interventions for affected communities and displaced workers allegedly exploited inside the facility.
The DND also issued a warning against individuals or groups that may attempt to interfere with the investigation or obstruct legal proceedings.
“Again we warn all those who wish to intervene or meddle and frustrate the ends of justice, whether foreigners or otherwise of whatever affiliation, that serious legal efforts shall be taken against them,” the department said.
The investigation comes amid increasing government scrutiny of alleged illegal activities involving foreign nationals operating within industrial and economic zones in the country.