By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has ordered the temporary suspension of operations of three companies in Central Visayas after inspectors discovered serious violations of workplace safety regulations.
The affected firms, which operate in the telecommunications, internet services, and electric distribution sectors in Cebu, were found to have allegedly failed to comply with mandatory occupational safety and health standards.
According to DOLE Central Visayas Regional Director Atty. Roy Buenafe, inspectors observed workers climbing utility poles and installing cables without wearing the required personal protective equipment (PPE). Authorities also noted the apparent absence of qualified safety officers in some of the establishments.
Buenafe said the work stoppage orders were issued to prevent further accidents and compel the companies to immediately address the deficiencies identified during inspections.
The regional labor chief noted that Central Visayas recorded a significant number of workplace accidents in 2025 and in the first months of 2026, particularly incidents involving electrical hazards.
He emphasized that DOLE has the authority to intervene even without receiving formal complaints from workers when imminent danger to employee safety is detected.
The agency continues to monitor compliance as the affected companies work to correct the violations and meet safety requirements before operations can resume.
ia/xf
