Malacañang strongly condemned on Monday, August 31, the theft of critical equipment from a flood control facility, warning that the missing parts crippled drainage operations during torrential downpours and exacerbated flooding across parts of Manila.
In a video statement, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro revealed that the facility was rendered completely inoperable following the removal of essential components, preventing it from draining floodwaters when it was needed most.
Castro urged those responsible to cease compromising the flood-mitigation measures spearheaded by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Reminder, warning sa mga nagnanakaw. Nakakalungkot ito dahil ginagawa ng Pangulo at ng DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways), MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) at iba pang ahensya ang lahat ng paraan para maibsan ang problema sa baha,” Castro said.
She called on the public to cooperate with state efforts to tackle flooding rather than undermining them.
“Huwag ninyong isabotahe ang mga proyekto ng Pangulo. Magtulungan po tayo Lahat tayo ay Filipino, maging mabuting Pilipino po tayong lahat,” Castro added.
Castro noted that Marcos had previously cited rehabilitated and newly operational pumping stations as major drivers in speeding up flood recrosities in several parts of Metro Manila.
However, she expressed dismay that the government must now redirect public funds toward replacing the stolen parts and repairing the damaged infrastructure.
“Pero dahil sa mga ninakaw ng mga halagang piyesa ng pumping stations hindi sila gagana. Gagastos tayo ulit para sa mga replacement na ito,” Castro said.
She warned that potential delays in acquiring replacement components could stall repairs and prolong the hardships faced by flood-stricken communities.
“Paano kung walang makuha agad na replacement? Hindi agad maiaayos ang mga ito na magdudulot na naman ng mabagan na paghupa ng baha,” Castro lamented.
Reiterating that the administration’s flood control projects are designed for the safety of all citizens, Castro cautioned against reckless acts that jeopardize lives and livelihoods.
“Ang ginagawa ng Pangulo para sa kontrabaha ay para sa ating lahat. Huwag tayo maging makasarili. Buhay, kalusugan at ari-arian ang maaapektuhan dahil sa mga pagnanakaw na ito,” Castro said.
She warned perpetrators that acts of sabotage would be met with full legal prosecution.
“At sa lahat ng mga gumagawang pananabotahe na ito Kayo po ay hahabulin ng batas. Papanagutin po namin kayo dahil buhay at kabuhayan ang maaaring maapektuhan ng inyong mga makasariling gawain,” Castro said.
Meanwhile, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed that the Sunog Apog Pumping Station in Tondo, Manila failed to operate during the heavy rains after electrical wiring connecting its generator set to Meralco was reportedly stolen.