The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has dispelled allegations circulating on social media linking a P75-million irrigation project in Northern Mindanao to the death of a former employee, calling the claims baseless and politically motivated, while also releasing verified information on the actual status of the Maguing Communal Irrigation Project (CIP) in Lanao del Sur.
The controversy began when politically aligned pages and a former political candidate alleged that former NIA employee Niruh Kyle Antatico was “silenced” after uncovering supposed anomalies in a P75-million project. The posts further claimed that the project had been prematurely declared complete — a claim the agency described as a misrepresentation of facts.
NIA Administrator Engr. Eddie G. Guillen clarified that the project was implemented and completed within the approved Program of Works, with proper inspection, documentation, and turnover.
“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.
He explained that portions presented online as “unfinished” are outside the official project scope, creating false impressions of irregularity. Farmer-beneficiaries have executed sworn statements confirming that deliverables were completed and fully operational.
Guillen also clarified that Antatico, a former employee, voluntarily resigned following reassignment due to poor performance and insubordination, and that there was no record of any whistleblower complaint or report of corruption filed by him.
“It is disheartening to see a personal tragedy politicized. We sympathize with his family, but there is absolutely no connection between his death and any NIA project,” he emphasized.
In a separate statement from the NIA Central Office, the agency also addressed online posts about the Maguing Communal Irrigation Project in Barangay Bato-Bato, Maguing, Lanao del Sur. Based on a validation conducted by the NIA Composite Team from the Central Office and Regions IX, XI, XII, and XIII, the photos circulated online were verified to be from the project site — but were outdated and no longer represent the present condition of the area.
Following the directive of Administrator Guillen, the NIA Public Relations Team, Operations Department, and Mindanao Regional Offices led by Project Coordinator Engr. Salome N. Layasan, along with local Irrigators Associations, conducted a joint site inspection oN 13-14 October 2025. The inspection documented completed canal structures and lateral sections, confirming that irrigation facilities are consistent with approved designs and specifications.
“NIA upholds transparency and due diligence in all its undertakings. We encourage the public to verify information through official sources and rely on validated data before drawing conclusions,” Guillen said.
The agency reaffirmed its support for the #FactsFirstPH coalition, emphasizing its commitment to factual, accountable, and transparent public communication. It also urged the public to be cautious of unverified online posts that distort official information.
“We welcome independent verification and public review. Our priority remains the farmers and communities we serve,” Guillen added.