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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Who are the 7 DPWH-Mimaropa officials charged over flood control 'anomaly'?

Who are the 7 DPWH-Mimaropa officials charged over flood control 'anomaly'?

Published Nov 25, 2025 01:30 pm
Seven senior officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Mimaropa office were nabbed on Monday, Nov. 24, over alleged irregularities in a ₱289.5‑million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
The officials include top regional managers, division chiefs, and a project engineer in Mimaropa (Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan). 
According to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Ombudsman, they may have played key roles in planning, certifying, and approving a road‑dike structure that allegedly deviated from technical standards.
Central to the investigation is the use of steel sheet piles measuring only 2.5 to 3 meters in length — far below the 12‑meter requirement stipulated in the contract.
Among those taken into custody is Gerald A. Pacanan, former Regional Director of DPWH MIMAROPA.
He has long served in the regional office and reportedly led its recognition as the Most Outstanding Regional Office under the DPWH’s PRAISE awards.
According to ICI, he also spearheaded a fact‑finding team in August 2025 to audit flood control projects in the region and holds the rank of CESO III.
There are no public records of prior criminal charges against him.
Gene Ryan Alurin Altea, former Assistant Regional Director and OIC‑Director of the Bureau of Maintenance, is also in custody.
He was involved in inaugurating a materials testing laboratory in Calapan City, highlighting his role in quality assurance.
Public records show no previous graft or criminal cases against him.
Ruben Delos Santos Jr., another Assistant Regional Director, is among those nabbed.
ICI referral documents say he reviewed and endorsed key project documents for the disputed flood control work.
He is not publicly known to have any prior criminal charges.
Dominic Gregorio Serrano, Chief of the Construction Division and former Bids & Awards Committee chair, is also implicated.
His position gave him significant oversight over contracts, project execution, and construction quality.
No prior graft or corruption allegations have been publicly linked to him.
Juliet Cabungan Calvo, Chief of the Maintenance Division, was responsible for regional repair and upkeep programs.
Public records do not show any prior graft or corruption cases against her.
Dennis Pelo Abagon, a long‑time DPWH civil engineer, held multiple roles including OIC‑Chief of both the Quality Assurance & Hydrology Division and the Planning & Design Division, as well as member of the regional Bids & Awards Committee.
Reports indicate he was arrested in Quezon City, with NBI agents recovering mobile phones and SIM cards believed to have been used for covert communications.
Abagon, with over 30 years in the agency, denies wrongdoing and says he did not personally benefit from the project.
Felisardo Sevare Casuno, Project Engineer III, was responsible for supervising day‑to‑day technical execution, contractor coordination, and compliance with design specifications.
There are no publicly documented prior graft or legal issues against him.
At a press briefing, NBI Officer-in-Charge Angelito Magno confirmed Abagon’s arrest, while acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Pacanan voluntarily surrendered to the CIDG, which led to the apprehension of his six co‑accused.
Their arrests come after DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the suspension of all flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro and vowed a “full and uncompromising accountability process.”
The unfolding case highlights concerns over internal DPWH oversight, particularly regarding material standards, procurement processes, and contract approvals.
Legal proceedings are underway, and authorities say more individuals could face charges, suggesting that these arrests may only be the start of a broader crackdown.
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