3 nabbed in Bulacan unlicensed metal recycling plant
Three persons have been arrested in Norzagaray, Bulacan for allegedly operating a recycling plant of aluminum wastes without necessary permits from the government.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Officer-In-Charge Eric B. Distor identified the suspects as Analiza Omblero, Laberto dela Cruz and Ariel Helvero.
The operation stemmed from an intelligence report regarding the alleged recycling activity of Aluminum Chips Recycling Plant.
The report stated that the plant was engaged in the recycling of aluminum wastes without the necessary environmental compliance certificate from the Environment Management Bureau, and has no valid permit to operate from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office and from Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO).
It added that the plant used hazardous chemical Sodium Silicoflouride, a toxic chemical compound used for fluoridation, insecticide and rodenticide, which endangers the health of the people living near the area. The recycling plant also has no proper sewerage system for the proper disposal of its toxic waste product.
Acting swiftly on the information received, NBI operatives conducted surveillance and confirmed the plant’s operation.
On June 16, the NBI together with representatives from BENRO proceeded to the target recycling plant to conduct the operation.
They arrested Dela Cruz and Helvero together with two minors working in the makeshift recycling plant. While conducting the operation, the owner of the recycling plant, Omblero, arrived and was also apprehended.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 100 pieces of ingot (aluminum clocks); several drums used for oils; sacks of toxic chemicals known as Sodium Silicoflouride; undetermined number of Berota (Aluminum waste) sacks; makeshift cauldron used as burner incinerator; tons of DROSS (non-liquefied aluminum waste); and a long wing-van truck.
Suspects were brought for inquest before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of Bulacan for violation of Republic Act 9231, R.A. 6969, R.A. 1586, R.A. 8749 and R.A. 9003.
The two minors working at the plant were turned over to the custody of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development of Bulacan in Malolos City.
