LGU, Ombudsman asked to probe collapsed riprap

CEBU, Philippines — A Mandaue City resident has raised before the office of the mayor a concern on the safety of residents living in Brgy. Maguikay following the collapse of a portion of a riprap in the area last Oct. 30, 2024.

In a letter sent to the Office of the Mandaue City Mayor, a certain Joselito Laugo, who introduced himself as a "concerned citizen" from the said barangay, requested for the city government, as well as three other government agencies to look into the incident.

"As a concerned citizen who values the safety and well-being of our community, I respectfully request a thorough investigation into this incident," said Laugo, in the letter received by the Mandaue City government last October 31.

The letter was also sent to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Commission on Audit (COA), and the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas to likewise conduct a "comprehensive" audit about the project.

Laugo highlighted in his letter that the incident indicates that the materials used were likely "substandard" which can lead to serious risk to residents and nearby establishments.

The collapsed portion of the riprap is part of the P127-million flood control project in the barangay which spans about 15 meters and is part of a 6,900-linear-meter flood control project along the Butuanon River.

This project was implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the last two to three years.

Laugo suggested the offices to also conduct an assessment of the materials, design, and construction practices used in the project.

"Accountability and transparency in this matter are essential to ensure the safety of our community and to prevent similar incidents in the future," Laugo wrote.

Laugo, in his letter, said he trusts the offices that "decisive" steps will be taken to address any irregularities, as well as uphold public safety standards in the project.

Last Wednesday, Mandaue City Lone District Representative Emmarie "Lolypop" Ouano-Dizon released an official statement on her Facebook page, disclosing that she already communicated to DPWH.

The flood control project is one of Ouano-Dizon's key initiatives to combat flood in the city.

Ouano-Dizon wrote that she is asking for answers from the department as to why the incident occured and how they plan to address the issue.

"As the implementing agency, DPWH needs to assess the damage, repair and rectify immediately and give a report why it happened," said the Congresswoman.

Despite the incident, Ouano-Dizon explained that the flood control project has helped solve the flood situation in Mandaue City.

"Daghan nang portions sa mga komunidad og barangays along the river nga mas luwas karon tungod sa mga flood control projects pero wala pa mahoman ang atong mission kay tungod sa kataas sa sapa," Ouano-Dizon explained.

The Mandaue City government also had to clarify that the project was not by the city government after the local government unit was called out by several social media users, asking for accountability on the project.

Mandaue Public Information Office head, Karla Victoria Cortes said that the flood control project is not a project of the city, but she added that the city government might send structural engineers to the location.

"But since this project is done in Mandaue City, we might consider sending some structural engineers to see if the project is properly implemented to ensure that it doesn't endanger lives. And submit our recommendations to DPWH," Cortes told The Freeman. — /ATO (FREEMAN)