NBI probes Negros flood control projects

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — The National Bureau of Investigation has summoned three district engineers from Binalbagan, Kabankalan and San Carlos as part of its probe into flood control projects in the Negros Island Region.

NBI Bacolod Acting Officer William Arca said the district engineers were issued subpoenas last week after initially declining to provide requested documents, citing the need for clearance from their head office.

The bureau had previously accessed project information only through the Department of Public Works and Highways website, he said.

“As of now, we are requiring them to submit documents, particularly on flood control projects, since that is our mandate,” Arca explained to reporters Thursday.

“We want to verify if the records they turn over match the ones we retrieved online,” he added.

Arca said their investigation covers infrastructure projects from 2020 to 2025, with at least 10 to 12 projects reported each year.

Some projects were already listed as completed, but Arca said they want to confirm their implementation status.

“After gathering documents, we will conduct site inspections to personally verify these flood control projects,” he added.

The investigation is being carried out under a Department of Justice task force, with the NBI serving as its investigative arm, Arca said.

He also said that once evidence is collected, a report and recommendations will be submitted to the DOJ, which will then forward the findings to the Inter-Agency Committee on Infrastructure.

At present, the NBI is still gathering documents and has yet to begin physical inspections, he reiterated.

Six DPWH district offices across the NIR are under review, with most already submitting records.

“So far, cooperation has been good, likely because of directives from Secretary Dizon that they must cooperate with the investigation,” Arca stressed.

Three more district engineers are expected to appear next week in response to subpoenas, he said.

Flood control projects aim to mitigate river overflows and coastal inundation that frequently affect Negros during the rainy season and typhoons.