NIA denies P75-M project anomaly

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has dismissed social media allegations linking a P75-million irrigation project in Northern Mindanao to the death of a former employee, calling the claims baseless, misleading, and politically motivated.

In a statement, NIA Administrator Engr. Eddie G. Guillen said the agency has verified that the Maguing Communal Irrigation Project in Lanao del Sur was properly implemented and completed within the approved program of works, with all required inspections, documentation, and turnover conducted in accordance with agency standards.

“The P75-million project was completed within the approved plan and verified in accordance with NIA standards. There is no ghost project, no anomaly — only misinformation circulating for political ends,” Guillen said.

The controversy began after politically aligned social media pages and a former political candidate claimed that former NIA employee Niruh Kyle Antatico was “silenced” after allegedly uncovering irregularities in the project. The posts also alleged that the irrigation project had been falsely declared complete — assertions that NIA categorically denied.

Guillen explained that some photos circulating online showing “unfinished portions” were taken outside the project’s official scope, creating a false impression of irregularity. Farmer-beneficiaries have since executed sworn statements affirming that deliverables were completed and fully operational.

The administrator also clarified that Antatico voluntarily resigned following reassignment due to poor performance and insubordination, and that the agency had no record of any whistleblower complaint or corruption report filed by him.

“It is disheartening to see a personal tragedy politicized,” Guillen said. “We sympathize with his family, but there is absolutely no connection between his death and any NIA project.”