MANILA — Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has relieved two district engineers in Pampanga over their alleged failure to enforce road safety measures following the death of a man who fell into an open drainage canal in Angeles City.

Relieved from their posts were Pampanga 3rd District Engineering Office officer-in-charge District Engineer Aser Mallari and OIC Assistant District Engineer Augustin Dagsaan Jr.

In a memorandum released Sunday night, Dizon cited their failure to comply with required safety standards, among other alleged infractions. The relief order took effect immediately.

Dizon also directed the two officials to complete and turn over all pending documents and official records to ensure the continuous delivery of public services.

The action follows the death of Reiner Novero, who fell into a flooded, open drainage canal along Fil-Am Friendship Highway in Barangay Cutcut, Angeles City on Aug. 28.

The incident was captured by a closed-circuit television camera and later circulated widely on social media.

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