Individuals found liable for purposely clogging canals and causing floods will face charges and may be imprisoned, said the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Sunday.
In response to reports from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Spokesperson PMaj. Hazel Asilo said that, if provided evidence, police are ready to investigate these incidents and coordinate with the MMDA and the local government unit (LGU) concerned.
Additionally, she urged the public to immediately report these incidents by calling 911.
“Kung mayro’n po tayong impormasyon or ebidensya na maipapasa sa amin ukol dito, handa naman po kaming mag-imbestiga at makipag-ugnayan sa mga kaukulang agencies, gaya po ng MMDA at ‘yung LGU. At siyempre, hinihikayat po natin ‘yung publiko na mag-report kaagad kapag may nakita silang ganitong gawain para agad natin ma-address, or kaya po tumawag sa 911,” she said in an interview on DZRH Stories: Pinoy Documentaries.
Furthermore, Asilo confirmed that offenders caught and proven guilty will be charged according to the effects of the act such as accidents and whether property was damaged in the process.
“Depende siguro sa kung ano ‘yung naging epekto o resulta ng ginagawa nila. Puwedeng pong malicious mischief kung may mga nasira, depende rin po sa kung anong ikakaso sa kanila ng ating mga LGU, lalo po ‘yung mga LGU ang nakatoka dito. At, katulong ang MMDA, malalaman natin kung ano ‘yung puwedeng i-kaso natin doon sa mga taong ito na nananadiya sa pagsasabotahe ng ating (flood control infrastructure),” the official said.
Asilo made it clear, however, that suspects will undergo due process. Police will launch an investigation and may file the appropriate case, although pressing charges usually falls under the local government’s jurisdiction.
The NCRPO has been carrying out disaster preparedness measures, including routine monitoring of flood-prone areas, pre-positioning of personnel and equipment, maintaining close coordination with local government units—particularly in flood-prone cities—as well as the MMDA, and other disaster response agencies.
