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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Police security assured for ICI as probe into anomalous flood control projects begins

Police security assured for ICI as probe into anomalous flood control projects begins

Published Sep 19, 2025 11:15 am  |  Updated Sep 19, 2025 01:21 pm
(File photo: Philippine National Police)
(File photo: Philippine National Police)
Recognizing the need to ensure the safety of the investigating panel, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Friday, Sept. 19, that it is ready to deploy uniformed personnel to meet the immediate security needs of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) as it begins probing reported anomalies in the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) flood control projects.
Acting PNP Chief, Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police force’s proactive preparations for the ICI’s security requirements were meant to help “ferret out the truth about the flood control projects across the country.”
“We, in the PNP, support the public call for transparency and accountability in this particular issue that was exposed by no less than the President, our Commander-in-Chief,” Nartatez said.
 “And we are also ready to expand the security coverage to all members of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure because of the sensitivity of the task entrusted to them.”
The ICI was created by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after he revealed the existence of alleged “ghost” and substandard flood control projects during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July.
The commission began its investigation earlier this week with an inspection in Quezon City and the issuance of a summons to one of the dismissed officials of the DPWH Bulacan 1st Engineering District.
The ICI is composed of retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. as chairman; former Public Works Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson and SGV & Co. country managing partner Rossana Fajardo as members; and retired PNP major general, now Baguio City Mayor, Benjamin Magalong as special adviser.
PNP spokesperson Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said police regional offices in Ilocos Region (PRO-1), Central Luzon (PRO-3), and Mimaropa (PRO-4B) have already deployed security forces on two occasions in connection with the ongoing flood control investigation.
Nartatez said the PNP intends to sustain its readiness throughout the duration of the probe.
“We have not received any formal request for security assistance, but your PNP will keep on standby a sufficient number of personnel ready to immediately respond to the ICI’s security needs, including during site inspections and, if necessary, in providing witness protection,” he stressed.

Related Tags

PNP ICI flood control corruption investigation security Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.
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