DPWH ousts Davao, Cebu officials linked to flood control

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) relieved four officials on Monday over their alleged involvement in questionable flood control projects and extortion.

“They are, effective today, removed from their positions while investigation is ongoing,” DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon announced.

Those relieved include DPWH Region IV-B assistant regional director Richard Ragasa, formerly assigned as district engineer of the DPWH Davao City District Engineering Office, along with Davao City District Engineering office assistant district engineer Lilibeth Sarmiento and Construction Section chief Roberto Mamaril.

Dizon also ousted Engr. Renato Catingub, chief of the construction section of the Cebu 4th District Engineering Office, following reports that he demanded bribe money from contractors.

The administrative actions follow complaints filed last week by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) before the Department of Justice recommending the prosecution of 21 individuals over alleged irregularities in Davao City flood control projects.

The NBI recommended charging the respondents with falsification of public documents, falsification by private individuals under the Revised Penal Code, and violations of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Ragasa, Sarmiento and Mamaril were among those named in the NBI complaints.

Other DPWH personnel included in the charges are district engineer Ferdinand Dallo, assistant district engineer Emilio Sucaldito Jr., materials engineer Kim Anthony Duque, project engineers Lylan Froy Sison, Andre Villacorte and Alexander Omadley, project inspectors Aljon Barcoma and Arvin Rafols and accounting unit head Kristine Apao.