Authorities shut down a carbon factory in San Simon, Pampanga following complaints about thick smoke, foul odor, and environmental violations that alarmed residents nearby.

Residents reported the smoke and odor to barangay officials who traced the source to a factory burning tires.

“Yung masamang simoy ng hangin na naamoy nila, parang amoy ng nagsusunog ng gulong,” Pampanga Board Member Ananias Canlas, Jr. said.

The factory, already under a closure order since January 2024 for absence of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), received a 14-day clearance from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in December 2024 for preventive maintenance.

However, it allegedly continued to operate beyond the period allowed.

“Pansamantalang kinandado ng LGU ng San Simon ang reactors ng mga makina ng factory habang nakatakda namang maghain ng criminal charges ang Kapitolyo sa oras na mag-violate muli ang factory,” Marvin Miranda, OIC of San Simon’s Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), said.

The owner of the factory is yet to release a statement.

A regulatory compliance unit has been set up to monitor establishments for environmental and health risks.