Philippine authorities have shut down an alleged illegal tyre pyrolysis facility in San Simon, Pampanga, following complaints from nearby residents and workers about smoke, dust and strong odours linked to the operation
The raid was carried out by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Pampanga Provincial Field Unit alongside local police units at a warehouse located in the Golden Sun 999 Industrial Park in Barangay San Pablo Libutad.
Two Chinese nationals, identified in local reports as warehouse personnel and machine operators, were arrested during the operation. Authorities alleged the facility had been operating without the necessary permits, licences or environmental clearances from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
According to CIDG officials, the site was allegedly engaged in tyre pyrolysis, with police seizing approximately three tonnes of tyre wire, large quantities of tyre ash, whole and cut tyres, along with industrial machinery including boilers, cooling towers, a forklift and tanker trucks. Authorities estimated the value of the confiscated materials and equipment at around PHP 9.5 million.
Investigators said the operation followed complaints from residents and workers in the industrial park who claimed the facility had been emitting excessive smoke, dust and foul odours, raising concerns about possible environmental and health impacts.
The suspects are expected to face charges related to alleged violations of Republic Act No. 6969, the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990, as well as environmental regulations linked to waste management and air pollution.
Image credit: Adam Kring, Unsplash
Source: SunStar Pampanga
