DPWH removes six more personnel as Davao flood control investigation widens

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has ordered another round of personnel changes involving six officials and engineers as authorities investigate alleged irregularities in flood control projects in Davao City.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon issued separate memoranda on Wednesday, October 21, directing the relief of four officials and reassignment of two engineers following criminal complaints filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

The latest action follows the removal of three other DPWH officials earlier this week in connection with the same investigation.

Four officials relieved, two engineers reassigned

Among those relieved were Ferdinand Dallo, officer-in-charge assistant regional director of DPWH Region V, and three officials from the Davao City First District Engineering Office.

The three were identified as Emilio Sucaldito Jr., officer-in-charge district engineer; Kim Anthony Duque, quality assurance section chief; and Kristine Apao, financial management section chief.

Dizon directed the four officials to surrender government records, documents and properties under their custody to ensure that public services would continue without interruption.

Meanwhile, Engineers Aljun Barcoma and Alexander Omadley, both assigned to the Davao City First District Engineering Office, were ordered to report to DPWH Region XI Director Juby Cordon for reassignment.

NBI complaints trigger personnel changes

The orders followed the NBI's filing of complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) over suspected irregularities in Davao City's flood control projects.

The complaints involve alleged falsification by public officers under the Revised Penal Code and possible violations of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Several private contractors and company representatives were also named as respondents, including individuals associated with Genesis88 Construction Inc. and Agong Builders and Construction Supply Inc.

The allegations remain subject to investigation and the appropriate legal proceedings. The personnel changes do not, by themselves, establish criminal liability.

DPWH continues action against personnel

On October 19, Dizon also ordered the removal of former Davao City district engineer Richard Ragasa, assistant district engineer Lilibeth Sarmiento and construction section chief Roberto Mamaril while the investigation continued.

The DPWH secretary has maintained that officials linked to suspected irregularities would not receive special treatment, emphasizing the department's policy of taking immediate administrative action when warranted.

The NBI investigation and DOJ evaluation of the complaints remain ongoing, with authorities expected to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to pursue criminal charges against the respondents.