The Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) is calling for an investigation and accountability for the death of four workers at a patis (fish sauce) factory in Barangay Panghulo, Obando, Bulacan on October 3. The four workers died after losing consciousness inside the factory’s fermentation pool.

According to reports, the factory owner ordered one of the workers to clean the fermentation pool. The worker lost consciousness from the strong chemicals present, and three other workers who immediately tried to rescue him also fainted and lost consciousness, leading to their deaths.

“The owner of the establishment should be held accountable,” Jerome Adonis, KMU secretary general and Koalisyong Makabayan senatorial candidate, said. The labor leader believes that the owner was negligent in ensuring the health and safety of the workers in the factory.

Adonis also called on the company to immediately provide assistance to the families of the victims, including funeral expenses, while the investigation is ongoing.

The labor leader also urged the Department of Labor and Employment to conduct inspections of factories to ensure that they are safe working environments. The agency also bears responsibility for the deaths of the four workers, he said.