Seized toxic wastes to be sent back to country of origin

NBI presents to the media nine individuals onboard a Liberian-registered vessel for dumping toxic wastes in Cabangan, Zambales. Photo by Tetch Torres-Tupas/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is eyeing the possibility of sending back to its point of origin the 53,000 metric tons (MT) of toxic substance that was supposed to be dumped in Zambales.

NBI’s Deputy Director and Spokesman Atty. Ferdinand Lavin said they are conducting further investigation to confirm if the toxic wastes came from South Korea.

“We are conducting a deeper probe to determine the point of origin,” Lavin said as he noted that initial findings showed that it originated from South Korea.

“But phosphogypsum largely came from mines in the US, Latin American countries and China,” he said.

He added that the toxic wastes are being kept under tight security awaiting the result of the probe as well as for instructions from the courts.

“It is being kept for evidentiary purposes,” he added.

Last Nov. 22, two Chinese nationals and seven Filipinos were arrested on board the Liberian-registered vessel MV Dayang Century, namely, master of the vessel Huizu Hua and chief mate Wang Aimin and Filipinos Danny Banes, Clieford Calingacion, Alberto Rendon, Edgardo Aquino, and Eddie Singuelo Sr., as well as brokers Benjamin Bautista and Jesse Sunga.

The vessel was found by authorities to be carrying 53,000 metric tons of toxic wastes known as phosphogypsum, a radioactive byproduct of fertilizer production and is considered radioactive due to the presence of naturally occurring radioactive elements.

The NBI already filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) cases for violating Republic Act 6969, the Toxic Substances and Hazardous Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1999, and RA 9003, the Ecological Solid Wastes Management Act of 2000.

NBI-EnCD Chief Cesar Eric Nuqui said 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 crew had no certification from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau to import phosphogypsum into the Philippines.

Nuqui said phosphogypsum is prohibited and not included among the allowed recyclable materials to be imported into the Philippines.

In the meantime, Nuqui said his office will also be investigating the liability of Yori Yori Trading, the consignee of the shipment.

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