ICI begins metro Cebu flood control probe

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) began inspections Sunday of flood control projects across Metro Cebu following the extensive devastation caused by the recent typhoon “Tino.”

Led by ICI Special Adviser retired Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., the inspection team visited several key river and flood control sites, starting with the Butuanon River in Mandaue City. The team proceeded to the Mananga River in Talisay City, as well as sites in Cebu City and the towns of Liloan and Compostela.

Azurin was joined by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Arthur Bisnar and DPWH-7 regional director Danilo Villa.

The inspections were initiated in part after Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro wrote to the Office of the President requesting an investigation into the province’s flood control projects.

To recall, typhoon “Tino” battered the Visayas, causing widespread flooding and resulting in more than 300 fatalities, most of them in Cebu.

Approximately 60,000 people were directly affected by the flooding and power outages across the Visayas and Mindanao.

The ICI is prioritizing its investigation into 80 projects involving the top 15 contractors previously named by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.