MALOLOS CITY—The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) demanded a Philippine Drug Enforcement Administration (PDEA) permit from the owners of a chemical treatment plant that suffered an explosion last week in Marilao town.
This came as the BFP noticed hazardous chemicals from the plant’s inventory, including the ones that can be used in the manufacture of illegal drugs.
Fire Supt. Romeo Rillo, provincial fire marshall of Bulacan, yesterday asked the said requirements from the owner of WT Treat chemical treatment plant based in Barangay Loma De Gato, Marilao.
The said plant exploded in the early morning of June 12 which damaged at least 30 houses nearby.
Investigation conducted by the BFP at the plant’s compound after the explosion said they noticed hazardous chemicals including cyanide and otherd that can be used in the manufacture of illegal drugs.
However, Rillo did not disclose the names of the other chemicals.
“We asked them for a permit from PDEA and they claimed they have it, but they haven’t presented it,” he said.
Rillo also noted that the owner and management of the plant is cooperating with their investigation.
The said plant, he said, is owned by Antonio Canoy, the re-elected mayor of San Fernando town in the province of Cebu.
When asked for possible recommendation, Rillo said they agree with earlier demands for closure by the municipal government of Marilao.
He said that hazardous chemicals must be removed from the plant as they pose danger to the lives of residents living nearby.
He added that plant’s permit will not be reissued unless the management complied with the requirements.
