“These are just some of the flood-control projects in Ilocos Norte sent by residents themselves,” Duterte wrote.
“Malapit lang ito sa Baguio Mayor Magalong, siguradong mapapadali pa ang trabaho niyo sa tulong ni Cong Sandro.”
The images, taken from at least nine sites across the province, reveal collapsed dikes, tilting revetments, exposed foundations, and unfinished structures now dangerously close to residential communities and roadways.
The locations include:
• Bolo River, Ilocos Norte (18.534543, 120.793901) — a portion of the river revetment appears completely washed out, with broken sections lying on the riverbed.
• Brgy. Taguipuro, Ilocos Norte (18.522276, 120.708567) — large concrete steps of a flood-control wall are visibly undermined, with heavy equipment stationed nearby but no protective works preventing further erosion.
• Padsan River, Sarrat (18.128533, 120.664278) — a massive portion of a flood-control wall has cracked and slumped toward the water, showing severe structural failure.
• Brgy. Poblacion 1, Pasuquin (18.339482, 120.614046) — an ongoing flood-control project appears partly buried under rubble, exposing questionable construction methods.
• Brgy. Pasaleng, Pagudpud (18.557023, 120.946536) — culverts are scattered in the river while flood-control slabs lie destabilized after strong currents.
• Brgy. Cavit, Laoag City (18.185383, 120.541724) — a DPWH-funded project worth ₱47 million by Rotaflex Construction shows unprotected sections already suffering erosion.
• Adams, Ilocos Norte (18.463371, 120.901036) — newly poured concrete revetments appear undermined and poorly anchored.
• Brgy. Gabu, Laoag City (18.187361, 120.526444) — a coastal flood-control project reportedly implemented by RA Pahati Construction reveals cracked and collapsing portions despite ongoing works.
All locations were matched with satellite imagery from Google Maps, confirming the project sites and the surrounding communities currently at risk.
The flood-control projects come under scrutiny as national agencies and lawmakers have focused investigations on Mindanao — particularly Davao City — despite completed and validated projects in the region.
Duterte criticized the selective attention of national bodies:
“While Davao City projects that have already been completed are being needlessly questioned, these actual, visible, collapsing structures in Ilocos Norte are left untouched,” the lawmaker said.
“Residents are worried. Communities are affected. I hope the right agencies will look into this.”
Residents who submitted the photos expressed fear that more walls may collapse in the coming weeks, especially as rains continue.
Civil engineers consulted noted that:
• Many walls lacked proper toe protection
• Revetments were built too close to unstable slopes
• Several projects showed signs of rushed construction
• The erosion patterns suggest structural weakness, not mere “natural scouring”
One resident from Pagudpud said the project “did not even last one cycle of heavy rains.”
Duterte urged the DPWH, the Commission on Audit, and the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate Ilocos Norte projects with the same intensity they apply to other regions.
“Kung saan may tunay na problema — doon mag-imbestiga,” he added.
As images continue to circulate on social media, more Ilocos Norte locals are reportedly preparing to send additional documents, videos, and geotagged photos of other questionable flood-control works in their province.
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