Bulacan plant faces charges over child laborers, chemical pollution

An aluminum smelting plant in Norzagaray, Bulacan is facing charges after it was discovered to be violating environmental laws and hiring minors.

According to John Consulta’s report on “24 Oras,” authorities found that the plant’s permit to operate had expired. Aside from this, it also lacked proper waste disposal for the residue from the chemicals used in smelting.

“‘Yung ina-ano nila na mga chemicals, idina-dump lang nila doon sa sapa. Tapos kung makikita mo ‘yung mga puno sa paligid, mamatay na,” Head Agent Noel Bocaling, National Burau of Investigation-Bulacan (NBI) chief, said.

(They dump the chemicals into the creek. The trees around the area are already dying.)

“Kahit na open-air ‘yung surroundings, talagang napaka-sangsang na ng amoy,” he added.

(Even if the surroundings are open, the odor is very bad.)

The NBI's Bulacan office was also alarmed over the hiring of minors as laborers.

“‘Yung dalawang nakita namin na child laborer na nagbubuhat, sumasama sa pagtunaw nung aluminum. Makikita niyo doon sa picture nung minor, ginagamit niya ‘yung stilts para hawakan ‘yung ano nung— hindi barehands, eh that requires skill,” he said.

(We saw two child laborers who were picking up aluminum and smelting them. You could see in the picture that the child was picking them up using stilts and not barehanded. That requires skill.)

Meanwhile, an expert from the School of Environmental Science and Management of the University of the Philippines Los Baños said the working conditions at the plant were dangerous.

“Aluminum is also categorized as hazardous chemical so it is listed as a special, hazardous chemical. Kasi pag powdered form siya, puwede siyang mag-explode,” Dr. Janice Sevilla Nastor said.

(Aluminum is also categorized as a hazardous chemical so it is listed as a special, hazardous chemical. Because it can explode if is in powder form.)

“Not properly wearing ng mask, ng gloves, tapos hinawakan natin ‘yung bibig natin or may mga particles tayong nalunok or na-swallow, it might also cause health hazard sa atin,” she added.

(Not properly wearing masks, gloves, and then you touch your mouths may cause you to swallow particles. It might also cause health hazards.)

Meanwhile, the three suspects said they would explain their side in court.

Authorities also rescued the two minors. They will undergo check-ups and will be turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. — Joahna Lei Casilao/DVM, GMA News