MANILA, Philippines — Two Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials in Pampanga have been relieved of their posts following the death of a 25-year-old man who fell into a flooded drainage canal along the Fil-Am Friendship Highway in Angeles City.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the immediate relief of Pampanga 3rd District OIC-District Engineer Aser S. Mallari and OIC-Assistant District Engineer Augustin R. Dagsaan Jr., citing their failure to comply with safety standards, among other infractions.
The order came after the Aug. 28 death of Reiner Novero, who fell into the drainage canal in Barangay Cutcut while walking along the flooded highway during heavy rains.
CCTV footage showed Novero suddenly disappearing into the floodwaters. Witnesses tried to rescue him but were unable to reach him because of the strong current. His body was recovered about an hour later beneath a bridge in Barangay Sto. Domingo.
The incident triggered public concern over the safety of drainage structures along roads, particularly during flooding when open canals and manholes are invisible.
