MAGALANG, Pampanga — Several residents of Barangays Navaling and San Roque here have filed administrative complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against nine local officials allegedly over the harm caused by the operations of Chuanxing Steel Corporation.
The company, an alleged illegal steel smelter, was previously raided by joint operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
The complainants accused the local officials of Gross Neglect of Duty, Grave Misconduct, Conduct Prejudicial to the best Interest of Service and violation of the Clean Air Act in connection with the continued operation of the plant in their communities despite reported environmental and health concerns.
According to the residents, the smelter’s operations resulted in pollution, health risks, and other adverse effects on Barangays Navaling and San Roque.
The NBI and PAOCC earlier conducted a raid on Chuanxing Steel Corporation as part of government efforts to crack down on illegal industrial operations and organized crime-linked businesses.
Those charged were Magalang Incumbent Mayor Maria Lourdes Lacson, former Vice Mayor who is now municipal administrator Norman Lacson along with the officials and owners of Chuanxing Steel Corporation.
Also charged were Municipal Councilor June Tanglao, MENRO chief Elmer Mercado, Municipal Health Officer Dr. Reno Rhine Mamac, Municipal Planning and Development Officer Rizalino Ocampo, Municipal Engineer Ponciano Ching, Navaling Village Chairman Juanito Napo and Barangay San Roque Chairman June Marimla.
They said that even before the NBI and PAOCC raided Chuanxing, they had been complaining about it since 2023, but their fears have only intensified after the NBI and PAOCC investigation revealed that it contained radioactive materials.
According to the complaints, they filed lawsuit to prevent the restoration of Chuanxing Steel Corporation’s operations and to hold accountable the Magalang officials who were negligent in preventing its operations.
Meanwhile, apart from ChuanXing Steel Corporation, the complaints also include the operation of three poultry farms including AKL Poultry Farm, Heavy W888s Growing Corporation and PFMC, Inc. which were built near the houses of barangays Navaling and San Roque, which are also causing harm to residents due to the foul smell and flies, which the complained officials are also allegedly not taking actions.
Mayor Lacson and several other defendants have not released an official statement to the media as of press time because they haven’t received yet a copy of the complaint from the Ombudsman.
