Thirty-one people were hospitalized after they were allegedly exposed to toxic emissions from a chemical waste treatment plant in Silang, Cavite, prompting authorities to order its closure.

The Silang municipal government confirmed Tuesday the closure order for Cleanway Technologies Corporation which is located at Meridian Techno-Park in Barangay Maguyam.

The cease-and-desist order was issued to the establishment a day after residents held a rally in Barangay Maguyam to denounce the firm.

The order, signed by Silang Municipal Administrator Jose Luis Gonzalez, was issued to the firm last Friday after it was approved by Mayor Clarito Poblete.

The rally at the barangay hall was made last Thursday after 31 people were treated at Pagamutan ng Carmona (Carmona Hospital) due to the alleged foul odor emanating from the establishment.

The denunciation gathering ended peacefully following a dialogue with Gonzalez and Barangay Chairman Zalde Tapia.

The Provincial Health Office said that there were some 50 people, including children, who vomited and complained of dizziness and head and stomach aches due to the alleged chemical emissions.

The establishment was also denounced for allegedly polluting the nearby river with the toxic waste that comes out of the firm's pipe.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) are now investigating the alleged emission and river pollution, said Supt. Danilo B. Buentipo, Silang town police chief.