The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has initiated a full technical assessment and emergency measures following the collapse of a flood control dike in Barangay Candating, Arayat, Pampanga.

In a statement, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the incident points to serious design flaws and a contractor’s failure to maintain the dike’s structural foundations. “Mukhang hindi talaga tama ang disenyo nung flood control sa Candating sa Arayat…hindi nila maayos-ayos,” Dizon told reporters, adding that the situation has put residents and their homes at risk.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed that a permanent engineering solution be fast-tracked. Engineering teams are already on-site implementing urgent measures to safeguard affected houses and residents. The DPWH said the dike’s design will be overhauled to ensure a structurally sound and long-term flood control system.

Sec. Dizon also emphasized accountability: “Kailangan na tayong magdesisyon dito na talagang panagutin na yung mga dapat managot dyan…kasama na yung mga tao sa DPWH, kasama yung kontratista…lahat ‘yan kailangan imbestigahan natin, at kung ano man ang rekomendasyon natin, isusumite natin sa Ombudsman at sa DOJ.”

The DPWH is now identifying all liable parties, including the contractor, DPWH personnel, and others involved, for possible prosecution. Secretary Dizon noted that complaints have also surfaced about potential links with some lawmakers, which are being reviewed as part of the investigation.

“The priority is protecting the affected communities while ensuring that the final engineering solution is safe, permanent, and accountable,” Dizon said.

Authorities reaffirmed that residents impacted by the dike collapse are being assisted, and updates on the investigation and repair efforts will be released as they develop.