- NBI XI recommends raps against 12 DPWH-Davao officials
THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI XI) elevated the criminal charges against 12 personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Davao City District Office following a probe into alleged anomalous flood control projects.
During the Davao Peace and Security press briefing on Wednesday at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, NBI XI spokesperson Elias Leañio confirmed that the investigation uncovered “incomplete and substandard” infrastructure projects within the city.
While the investigation highlighted significant issues with project quality, Leañio clarified that these were not “ghost projects” (non-existent projects), but rather cases where funds were “mismanaged.”
Leañio explained that the investigation was launched after reports of issues surrounding flood control works. The probe was supported by the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), composed of police and military personnel.
“We validated that [the projects] were indeed incomplete or substandard. So, not necessarily ‘ghost’ projects. The projects exist, but there is a problem with how the money was spent,” he added.
While warrants have already been released for DPWH personnel in Davao Occidental, the cases for Davao City officials remain at the recommendation stage.
“For NBI-XI, this is a recommendation that must be finalized by the prosecutor,” Leañio explained.
He noted that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has created a task force to look into these anomalies, with Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon tasked to finalize the findings.
Last Nov. 5, 2025, ICI members and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) conducted a site inspection on major infrastructure projects in Davao City, raising concerns over potential substandard materials and premature erosion.
The inspection team included ICI special adviser Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. and DPWH Undersecretary Arthur Bisnar, notably joined by former ICI special adviser, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
Flood control damage and erosion
After reviewing the ongoing rockfall netting project at Shrine Hills, the team proceeded to the Davao River Dike in Matina Gravahan at noon.
“We inspected the flood control here in the Gravahan area, and we observed that in less than two years, it has suffered immediate damage and erosion,” Azurin told reporters. “I think we have to review the contract so that we can determine what sanctions we can impose on the contractors, as well as those who were supposedly implementing the project.”
Azurin emphasized that while he could not definitively call the project “substandard,” the early damage suggests a need for deep scrutiny.
“It’s supposed to have a specific timeframe, at least maybe five years. Because of the damage, we will look at the cause of the damage—if it has something to do with the materials used, or if the cement mixture was incorrect. The DPWH will conduct a series of tests to determine the quality.”
Road safety and rockfall netting
The delegation also assessed the Construction of the Road Slope Protection Structure and Improvement of Critical Intersections, which includes the installation of rockfall netting at Junction Shrine Hills along the Davao City Diversion Road (Project ID: 21LO-0142).
This inspection aimed to assess the quality of work designed to prevent rockfall incidents and ensure motorist safety, especially during heavy rains.
Azurin also denied specifically targeting Davao City.
“The investigation we are conducting as of now concerns the 421 flood control projects that were turned over to us by the DPWH nationwide. We will inspect these projects so we can reach a conclusion and take appropriate action, aside from the filing of charges against the implementors, inspectors, and those who paid for these projects,” Azurin stated.
He specified that 51 of the 421 projects under investigation are located in the Davao Region, but denied any political targeting. “It just so happens that we were the team deployed here,” he concluded.
