The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Friday, Sept. 19, its readiness to deploy security personnel to support the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) as it begins its investigation into alleged irregularities in the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) flood control projects.
Acting PNP Chief, Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized that the police force’s proactive security measures aim to help the ICI “ferret out the truth” behind the reported anomalies in flood control initiatives nationwide.
“We, in the PNP, support the public call for transparency and accountability in this particular issue that was exposed by no less than the President, our Commander-in-Chief,” Nartatez said.
He said the police force is also ready to expand the security coverage to all members of the ICC “because of the sensitivity of the task entrusted to them.”
The ICI was created by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after he revealed during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July the existence of alleged “ghost” and substandard flood control projects.
The commission began its investigation earlier this week with an inspection in Quezon City and the issuance of a summons to one of the dismissed officials of the DPWH Bulacan 1st Engineering District.
The ICI is composed of retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. as chairman; former Public Works Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson and SGV & Co. country managing partner Rossana Fajardo as members; and retired PNP major general, now Baguio City Mayor, Benjamin Magalong as special adviser.
PNP spokesperson Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said police regional offices in Ilocos Region (PRO-1), Central Luzon (PRO-3), and Mimaropa (PRO-4B) have already deployed security forces on two occasions in connection with the ongoing flood control investigation.
Nartatez said the PNP intends to sustain its readiness throughout the duration of the probe.
“We have not received any formal request for security assistance, but your PNP will keep on standby a sufficient number of personnel ready to immediately respond to the ICI’s security needs, including during site inspections and, if necessary, in providing witness protection,” he stressed.
