DPWH Engineers Confronted by Zamboanga del Sur Mayor During Flood Control Inspection

Zamboanga del Sur Mayor Confronts DPWH Engineers Over Faulty Flood Project

ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR – A routine inspection in the municipality of Kumalarang turned tense after Mayor Ruel “Balong” Molina confronted officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 2nd Engineering District over a controversial flood control project.

The project, located in Barangay Boyugan East, has drawn widespread criticism from residents who questioned its quality and raised concerns about possible irregularities. According to reports, two DPWH engineers were present at the site on Wednesday but allegedly tried to avoid the mayor when their groups crossed paths.

Mayor Molina did not let the moment pass. He directly confronted the engineers, demanding answers about the project’s construction. At one point, he even challenged them to pull out a sheet pile from the dike to prove whether the materials used were substandard. For the mayor, this was not just a technical issue—it was about accountability. He stressed that millions of pesos in public funds were at stake, and the people deserved transparency.

Residents of Kumalarang have long expressed frustration over the project, claiming that the flood control structure may not withstand heavy rains and could put their safety at risk. Mayor Molina echoed these concerns, saying it was the duty of DPWH officials to ensure the project meets proper standards and to provide clear explanations to the public.

This is not the first time Molina has spoken out. Even before the inspection, he had criticized the project, calling it defective and unfit for long-term use. His latest confrontation reinforced his call for a thorough investigation into everyone involved in the alleged irregularities surrounding the construction.

For now, the local government continues to monitor the situation while awaiting an official explanation from the DPWH.