AGENTS of the National Bureau of Investigation-Environmental Crime Division (NBI-EnCD) seized an undetermined quantity of hazardous substances at a storage facility in Calamba City and arrested three suspects.
The move preempted a possible health and environmental disaster in the surrounding areas.
Nabbed were Mariano Villanueva Jr., Nomer Aquino, and Manny Ferrer.
The suspects were presented for inquest before the City Prosecutor’s Office for violating Section 13(a) of Republic Act 6969 also known as the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990.
Initial investigation showed the seized materials may pose unnecessary health risks to the surrounding communities.
Prior to the operation, the NBI received information that Cam Connectivity Inc., based in Calamba City, Laguna, was engaged in the use and storage of hazardous substances without proper permits or clearances from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The hazardous waste was not handled and managed properly in accordance with the DENR rules and regulations.
The NBI requested an updated list of registered Treatment, Storage, and Disposal (TSD) Facilities in Calamba, Laguna, that have been issued Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC), Permit to Operate (PTO), Hazardous Waste Registration ID or any other documents related to their business operation.
Cam Connectivity was found to be not included in the list of registered TSD Facilities provided by the DENR.
On May 4, NBI-EnCD operatives, together with DENR-EMB Region IV-A personnel, conducted an operation against the establishment, resulting in the seizure of the materials and the arrest of the suspects
