The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-Bacolod has begun collecting documents in connection with its investigation into Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control projects in Negros Occidental.
NBI Bacolod Executive Officer William de Arca said on Thursday, Oct. 2, that they have received the documents requested from three DPWH District Engineers.
Following the service of subpoenas, the District Engineers from San Carlos, Kabankalan, and Binalbagan submitted their documents.
De Arca said three more District Engineers from Bacolod, Talisay, and Bago have also been subpoenaed and are expected to submit their documents soon.
The investigation covers infrastructure projects from 2020 to 2025, with a specific focus on flood control projects.
The NBI has also been sourcing project information from the DPWH website.
Once all the documents are complete, the NBI plans to conduct an ocular inspection of the projects.
De Arca noted that a single engineering district typically manages about 10 to 12 projects a year. He said the DPWH district engineers have been cooperative with the investigation.
The NBI is serving as the investigating arm for a Department of Justice (DOJ) task force formed to look into flood control projects following the emergence of reports about “ghost projects”.
The NBI will submit its report and recommendations to the DOJ, which will then forward them to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, de Arca said.*