The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has launched an immediate technical assessment and full investigation into the collapse of a flood control dike in Barangay Candating, Arayat, Pampanga.
In a statement Monday, the department cited possible design flaws and the contractor’s failure to address structural defects.
The dike showed signs of faulty engineering from the outset, including weakening and collapsing foundations that the contractor had previously been ordered to repair, the DPWH said.
Despite these directives, the problems remain unresolved, prompting authorities to move toward holding responsible parties accountable, it added.
“DPWH teams have been deployed to the site to conduct a comprehensive structural assessment and to implement urgent measures aimed at protecting nearby homes and residents affected by the collapse,” the statement said.
The department has also issued a warning to the contractor, stressing that continued failure to comply with corrective measures could result in legal action.
The investigation will cover the contractor, concerned DPWH personnel, and other individuals involved in the project, amid reports of possible links to lawmakers.
Findings and recommendations from the investigation will be submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice for further review and possible prosecution, the DPWH added.
