The Philippine National Police (PNP) under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. is eyeing the creation of a top-level task group that will be mandated to provide all the necessary assistance in the ongoing investigation into anomalous flood control projects.
The plan was in response to the letter of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon to the PNP, through Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, asking for police assistance in the conduct of validation of flood control projects nationwide.
Nartatez said they are yet to discuss the creation of the task group. He emphasized its importance to facilitate the coordination for security and other assistance that the DPWH would need in line with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s objective for truth and accountability in the flood control mess.
“The PNP is ready to support the DPWH in its efforts to validate flood control projects, especially since these projects are crucial to protecting lives and property during calamities. We will provide personnel as necessary to assist in ensuring transparency, integrity, and security during the validation process,” Nartatez said.
He said the PNP’s role will primarily be in providing security, maintaining order, and preventing any attempts to disrupt or compromise the validation process. The deployment will not affect the PNP’s existing security and peacekeeping functions.
“We will adjust our deployments so our core responsibilities in crime prevention, law enforcement, and disaster response remain fully operational. This mission will be carefully integrated into our existing duties through proper coordination and resource allocation,” Nartatez assured.
To reinforce accountability, the PNP will designate a task group to coordinate closely with DPWH engineers and officials, and will establish a system of regular reporting to DPWH, the DILG, and Malacañang.
The possible use of body-worn cameras during validation activities will also be considered to help build public trust.
“The PNP stands with the Filipino people in ensuring that every peso of public funds is spent for its intended purpose,” Nartatez said.
“Our involvement is meant to reinforce transparency, accountability, and trust in government projects that directly impact public safety. We want the people to know that we are not only protectors of peace and order, but also partners in nation-building,” he added.
Aside from the DPWH validation, Nartatez earlier said they are ready to extend the same security assistance to the Independent Commission on Infrastructure and their investigation activities.
