The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has revoked the work permits of six Chinese nationals over illegal labor concerns.

“Ito yung sinasabi na dumating na lang, sinundo sa airport, pumunta roon, nagkaroon na lang ng AEP (Alien Employment Permit). Wala kaming records dito na mayroon silang AEP,” DOLE Secretary Francis Tolentino said

[“This is what we’re saying: it just arrived, picked up at the airport, go there, and suddenly possessed an AEP. We have no record that they hold an AEP.”]

“Hindi ko na ma-pronounce 'yung mga pangalan nung anim. So nakakuha sila kung saan man, so we revoke that,” he added

[“I’ll not be able to pronounce the name of the six individuals. So, they obtained them wherever, so we revoke that.”]

Sec. Tolentino emphasized the gravity of illegal foreign labor following the revelations that some workers were directly brought into the country from mainland China without necessary legal documentation or employment permits.

The Secretary also raised concerns over potential health and safety hazards due to the possible presence of nuclear waste and radioactive material in the facility of Chuangxing Steel Inc.

He also requested a company representative in the hearing to assist the government in locating the other 33 missing Chinese nationals, because the agency fears that some of them may have been exposed to radiation.

“So para mapadali po ito, pwede ba matulungan niyo kami to locate to find their whereabouts? Kasi unang-una natatakot ang Department of Health na baka may sakit na rin ito ng radiation,” he said to the official

[“To expedite this, could you help us to locate and find their whereabouts? First and foremost, the Department of Health is concerned that they might already be suffering from radiation illness.”]

In response, a representative from Chuangxing Steel Inc. stated that they need to coordinate with the other officials of the company because they are not sure of the exact location of those missing Chinese nationals.

The DOLE continues to coordinate with concerned agencies to profile the workforce, verify the records, and determine the potentially affected workers.

With reports from Mia Alonzo