Cerilles orders probe on Pasig chemical poisoning

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Antonio Cerilles ordered yesterday a thorough investigation in the chemical poisoning incident in Pasig City where one housewife died while more than 50 others were hospitalized.

Cerilles directed DENR-National Capital Region (NRC) director Corazon Davis to identify who should be held liable for the incident and immediately file the appropriate charges against them.

Davis said that Republic Act (RA) 6969 or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990 imposes imprisonment of six months and one day to six years and a fine ranging from P600 to P4,000.

Reports have it that the victims were sound asleep when they were suddenly awakened by the foul smell of chemicals at about 10 p.m., Saturday.

The victims, who first suspected that it was only chlorine or muriatic acid, complained later of difficulty in breathing, prompting barangay officials to rush them to nearby hospitals for immediate treatment.

Residents claimed a truck, which they believed contained chemicals, passed by their barangay which is still under floodwaters.

Davis said that a chemical firm in the vicinity, whose name was yet to be established, could have been "in all probability operating illegally since we have no documents of any firm in that location which has obtained an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)." – Jose Rodel Clapano