The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is ready to help inspect flood control projects allegedly tainted with irregularities.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla assured that once an official request is received, the military can immediately conduct site inspections and thorough reviews of the structures, as well as assist in preparing findings.
She added that the AFP could tap its Corps of Engineers and other specialized units capable of handling public infrastructure inspections.
Col. Padilla issued the statement in response to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon’s earlier remark that the agency would seek help from the police and military, citing the difficulty of inspecting thousands of projects nationwide on its own.
The AFP’s support may include site inspections, security, and ensuring access to inspection areas. Padilla noted this forms part of the AFP’s defense and nation-building mandate, where safeguarding the integrity of key infrastructure also protects public welfare.
Meanwhile, the DPWH has already deployed a team to review more than 100 questionable projects across the country.