DPWH to tap PNP, AFP for flood control project inspections

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will ask the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to help in inspecting reported anomalous flood control projects.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon told GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita in an interview on Friday that assistance from the police and military is needed, as the agency cannot handle the inspections of thousands of projects.

“Hihingi na rin po tayong ng tulong sa ating PNP pati na rin po sa ating Armed Forces para tulungan nila tayong mag-ikot at sumilip dito sa mga proyektong nire-report sa atin,” Dizon said.

(We will also ask for help from our PNP as well as our Armed Forces so that they can help us go around and take a look at the projects that are being reported to us.)

“Libo-libo po talaga ang proyekto ng DPWH. At kung sa loob ng DPWH, hindi natin kakayanin yan kaya kailangan talaga unang-una humingi tayo ng tulong sa PNP, sa AFP,” he added.

(There are literally thousands of DPWH projects. In DPWH alone, we cannot handle that, so we really need to first ask for help from the PNP and the AFP.)

PNP public information office chief Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño told GMA News Online that the police organization has yet to receive any request from the DPWH.

Meanwhile, AFP public affairs office chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said that the military is ready to respond to the DPWH’s request. 

“The AFP, through the Corps of Engineers and in coordination with other units, remains ready to provide support when directed. Over the years, we have been partners in national development and disaster response, working closely with government agencies and stakeholders,” he said. 

“Should our assistance be officially requested, the AFP can complement DPWH efforts by helping conduct site inspections, providing security, and ensuring transparency. This is in line with our broader mission of defense and nation-building, where safeguarding the integrity of vital infrastructure contributes to the welfare and protection of our people,” he added.

According to Dizon, a new DPWH team has been deployed to inspect the over 100 reported anomalous projects across the country.

Next week, Dizon said he will join Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong in the inspections of questionable projects in his city as well as in La Union.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has called for an investigation into anomalous flood control projects. Several government agencies, as well as the Senate and the House of Representatives, have launched their respective investigations. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News