Cops seize P40-M substandard construction materials in Cavite

MANILA, Philippines - Police seized P40 million worth of substandard steel bars inside a compound in Cavite, the Criminal and Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said on Wednesday.

CIDG chief Director Benjamin Magalong said operatives, along with Department of Trade and Industry representatives, raided the compound of the Golden Gate Business Park in Barangay Buenaviste, General Trias, Cavite last July 8 and confiscated 16,000 pieces of 8 mm. rolled steel bars, 600 tons angle bars size 4.5x50x50, uncertified GI wires, substandard angle bars of assorted sizes and unmarked roofing materials.

The seized construction materials reportedly belonged to the Steeltower Steel Corporation owned by Alex Go, Andrew Go, Jason Ang, James Ang, and Jintuan Wu.

The raid was done after the Manila Regional Trial Court issued a search warrant for violation of the  Consumer Act.

Magalong said that sometime in April, Secretary Panfilo Lacson, the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery, recommended to DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo to deputize the CIDG to assist in the enforcement and conduct of operations against the proliferation of substandard building materials.

Magalong said sub-standard construction materials are being smuggled into the country from different ports and are eventually transported and sold in areas devastated by supertyphoon Yolanda.

Some of these products were held by the Bureau of Customs for misdeclaration but others made its way to the local market, he said.

The CIDG operatives need at least two days to haul the seized materials.