Talisay noodle firm faces closure

CEBU, Philippines — A noodle manufacturer in Barangay Cansojong, Talisay City is in danger of getting closed for stockpiling coal sans permit from the Department of Energy (DOE).

The Talisay City government is set to issue a closure order against CitiFood Industries and its affiliates Ming Food and President Food, which are owned by Lucio Ngo Siok.

The manufacturer was accused of stealing P33.2 million worth of coal.

Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr. said the city government may not also renew the manufacturer’s business permit if it failed to comply with the requirements.

Gullas said the closure order has nothing to do with the theft case, which will be filed by DOE in Central Visayas.

Aside from theft, the manufacturer will also be facing other cases for violating the anti-fencing law, and of obstruction of justice.

DOE seized the coal shipment for lack of permit to sell, trade or transport the materials.

DOE was tipped off about an illegal delivery of coal on July 26, resulting in the seizure of a cargo containing 6,399.302 metric tons of coal.

The coal was sourced from the Pagbilao power plant in Quezon province.

According to the DOE, the power plant has a permit from the Energy Resource Development Bureau to use coal, however it does not have a permit to sell, trade or transport the material.

DOE included the manufacturer in the cases after it allegedly took the cargo without the former’s consent.

Aside from penalty and fines, the energy department said the noodle manufacturer may also lose its permit as a coal user.

The firm and its affiliates use coal to boil its ingredients in the making of noodles.

Moreover, Gullas said affected employees are welcome to visit his office or the City Social Welfare and Development Office. 

The city government is planning to give assistance to the affected noodle workers. — KBQ (FREEMAN)