Two Chinese nationals were arrested after authorities raided an allegedly unauthorized tire-processing warehouse in San Simon, Pampanga, where hazardous materials and industrial equipment worth more than P9.5 million were seized.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said its Pampanga Provincial Field Unit, together with local police units, implemented a search warrant from 4:30 pm to 7:15 pm on May 14 at a warehouse inside Golden Sun 999 Industrial Park in Barangay San Pablo Libutad.
The operation was carried out for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 6969, or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990.
Authorities arrested two Chinese nationals identified only by their aliases “Xong,” the warehouse manager, and “Xing,” a machine operator. Both were reportedly found managing and working at the site during the search.
CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II said the warehouse was allegedly engaged in tire pyrolysis, a process that breaks down tires through high heat in the absence or near-absence of oxygen to produce oil and other byproducts.
Police said the facility had no permit, clearance, or license from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to operate a pyrolysis business.
Seized during the raid were three tons of tire wire, 30 sacks of tire ash weighing 600 kilograms each, 225 whole tires, 500 kilograms of cut tires, a loader truck, a forklift, an oil tanker truck, two cooling tower machines, two boiler machines, a dust collector machine, and an air filter machine. The confiscated items were valued at P9,579,850.
The operation stemmed from reports that the warehouse had been burning tires to produce oil, allegedly causing thick smoke, dust, and foul odor that posed health risks to nearby residents.
Morico said RA 6969 regulates, restricts, or prohibits the processing, use, and disposal of chemical substances and mixtures that may endanger public health or the environment. He said unpermitted tire pyrolysis operations and improper disposal of hazardous sludge may constitute violations of the law.
CIDG commended its regional and Pampanga field units for the operation, saying the raid forms part of its continuing campaign against activities that threaten public health and the environment.
The agency said it would continue tracking facilities that violate chemical and solid waste management laws under its Oplan Kalikasan campaign, warning that violators, whether Filipino or foreign nationals, would be held accountable.