The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has removed the project engineer and all personnel assigned to a collapsed flood control project in Oriental Mindoro, following mounting concerns about its integrity.
DPWH Mimaropa Regional Director Engr. Gerald Pacanan confirmed the relief order after inspecting damaged road dikes in Naujan, where Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor earlier lost his cool during a site visit. Dolor had flagged possible use of thin cement and undersized steel bars that may have led to the structures’ collapse during heavy floods.
In a report by ABS-CBN News, Pacanan explained that fresh personnel will be deployed to ensure impartiality in the ongoing probe. “Para po maging transparent, ang ilalagay ko po dito bagong engineer, bagong mga tao para po maiwasan kung mayroon man collusion o nag-uusap-usap ang contractor at ‘yung engineer,” he said.
Pacanan also issued a public apology to Gov. Dolor and Oriental Mindoro residents after a construction firm’s security guard attempted to block the governor’s inspection. “Humingi po ako ng patawad sa kaniya at sa buong mamamayan ng Mindoro dahil hindi po yun dapat nangyari. Uulitin ko po, hindi po dapat nangyari,” he added.
He clarified that his office never ordered such actions: “Hindi ko po instruction personally o mga tao ko man na pagbawalan ang kahit sino lalong lalo na ngayon na may isyu tayo sa flood control. Bawal natin pigilan ang kahit sino, ipakita natin sa lahat na may ginagawa tayo dito.”
While the fact-finding team has yet to confirm if substandard materials were indeed used, Pacanan assured the public that accountability will be enforced. “Lahat po ng proyekto natin sa buong Mimaropa iimbestigahan para makita kung sino ang may pananagutan. Kung may pananagutan ang contractor, lalabas po yun sa imbestigasyon. Kung may pananagutan ang empleyado mismo ng DPWH, lalabas din po sa imbestigasyon. Wala po tayong sisinuhin, wala po tayong sasantuhin,” he emphasized.
Flood control systems are vital for Oriental Mindoro, particularly along the Bucayao and Mag-asawang Tubig rivers, which often overflow and bring severe flooding to nearby towns.
