The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) conducted a joint inspection of four project sites in Ilocos Norte on Thursday, 13 November 2025.

The inspection team was led by ICI Special Adviser General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. and DPWH Public Works Undersecretary Arthur Bismar. They were joined by project and district engineers from the department.

The delegation first visited two locations in Nueva Era: an area near Bongo Bridge and another along Sinigbit Creek. The team then proceeded to Vintar for the third and fourth inspections, where they were joined by Vintar Mayor Richard Degala and District Engineer Glenn Miguel.

According to the ICI, the DPWH District Engineering Office has committed to providing all relevant project plans and documentation to the Commission.

Azurin noted that many of the inspected sites were constructed by companies linked to contractors Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya. For his part, Bismar assured the Commission that DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon has instructed the agency to grant the ICI full access to its records, including all flood control projects.

The site inspection forms part of the ICI’s mandate to investigate, gather evidence, and evaluate information regarding allegedly anomalous flood control and infrastructure projects.

The Commission is tasked with verifying whether project specifications were met. The inspection was carried out with assistance from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to ensure a thorough validation process.