Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said authorities should have immediately carried out clearing and dredging operations along the Talomo River in Davao City following a major flood in 2019, noting that residents continue to face the same risks years later.

Speaking during an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos on Friday, July 31, Dizon said recent flash floods in Barangay Bangkal mirrored the earlier incident, raising concerns over the lack of action in the area.

“Isa pang nakwento ng mga kababayan natin doon, talagang nakakalungkot, nakakaawa, nakakagalit, noong 2019 pala nangyari na yan, parehong-pareho [na] flash flood,” Dizon said.

Dizon said he visited the community along the Talomo River, where residents recounted how floodwaters suddenly surged late at night despite fair weather in Davao City.

According to him, rainfall from Mt. Apo triggered the flooding, which occurred between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., catching residents off guard and forcing some to climb onto rooftops.

“Buti na lang kamo talagang awa ng Diyos walang casualty, pero grabe yung hirap nila,” he said.

The public works chief expressed frustration over what he described as the absence of visible interventions in the area since the 2019 flooding, citing accounts from residents.

Dizon also noted reports that more than P50 billion had been allocated for flood control projects in the region, adding that the matter is now under review by the Office of the Ombudsman.

He said documents related to the issue have already been submitted for investigation.

For now, Dizon stressed the need for immediate government response.

“Kailangan makita ngayon ng mga kababayan natin dyan [ay] yung agaran at mabilisang aksyon. Yung hindi na naman tayo maghihintay ng pitong taon wala na namang mangyayari,” he said.

Dizon added that he has reprimanded the district engineer assigned to the area, questioning why preventive measures were not implemented despite the previous flooding.

“Yung DE, kahit na bago siya, ang punto ko lang, nangyari na yan noong 2019, dapat inaksyunan niyo na agad 'yan,” he said.

Watch the full exclusive interview below: