Two Chinese nationals and seven Filipinos have been arrested by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents in Zambales for their alleged involvement in the dumping of hazardous wastes from South Korea.
NBI Deputy Director Vicente De Guzman III said the Chinese nationals are the crew of the Liberian-registered vessel MV Dayang Century. They were identified as master of the vessel Huizu Hua and chief mate Wang Aimin.
Also arrested were Filipinos who were operating the landing craft tanks (LCT). They were identified as Danny Banes, Clieford Calingacion, Alberto Rendon, Edgardo Aquino, an Eddie Singuelo Sr.
Filipino brokers Benjamin Bautista and Jesse Sunga were likewise apprehended.
De Guzman said the suspects were arrested by agents of the NBI’s Environmental Crime Division (NBI-EnCD) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) last November 22 off Cabangan, Zambales.
The vessel was found by authorities carrying 53,000 metric tons of toxic wastes known as phospogypsum, a radioactive byproduct of fertilizer production.
Following the operation, the suspects were brought to the Department of Justice (DoJ) last Monday for inquest on charges of violating Republic Act 6969, known as the Toxic Substances and Hazardous Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1999; and RA 9003, known as the Ecological Solid Wastes Management Act of 2000.
NBI-EnCD chief Cesar Eric Nuqui revealed the operation was conducted after his office received information that the vessel was carrying hazardous wastes.
During the operation, Nuqui said it was learned that the cargo came from Gwangyang, South Korea and that the suspects had no certification from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) to import phosphogypsum into the Philippines.
Nuqui said phosphogypsum is prohibited and not included in the allowed recyclable materials to be exported to the Philippines.
In the meantime, Nuqui said his office will also investigate the liability of Yori Yori Trading which is the consignee of the shipment. (Jeffrey Damicog)
