National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Eddie G. Guillen expressed his condolences and condemnation following the killing of Niruh Kyle Antatico, a former Legal Researcher III of NIA-Region X, who was ambushed by motorcycle-riding gunmen on Friday, October 10, in Zone 1, Crossing Patag, Cagayan de Oro City, while driving his car.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, October 12, Guillen conveyed his deep sorrow and called for the truth to come out regarding the alleged irregularities within the agency that Antatico had exposed — and for justice to be served for his death.
“Lubos ko pong ikinalulungkot ang pagpanaw ni G. Niruh Kyle D. Antatico, dating kawani ng National Irrigation Administration – Northern Mindanao (NIA Region X). Sa ngalan ng buong NIA Family, ipinaaabot ko po ang aming taus-pusong pakikiramay sa kanyang pamilya, mga kaibigan, at mga minamahal,” Guillen said.
“Ang kanyang pagpanaw ay isang malungkot na pangyayari na nagdulot ng pag-aalala at katanungan sa publiko. Sa ganitong panahon ng dalamhati, hangad po namin ang katarungan at katotohanan, hindi lamang bilang paggalang sa kanyang alaala, kundi bilang bahagi ng aming paninindigan para sa integridad at pananagutan sa serbisyo publiko.”
Guillen also assured the public that the agency fully supports a fair and thorough investigation into the incident.
“Kasama ng buong Ahensiya, suportado po namin ang isang patas at masusing imbestigasyon upang matukoy ang tunay na nangyari. Nananawagan po kami sa publiko na igalang ang due process of law at iwasan ang mga haka-haka na maaaring makaapekto sa pag-usad ng imbestigasyon.”
He added that NIA is already reviewing the issues previously raised by Antatico.
“Ang anumang isyung inilahad noon ni G. Antatico ay hindi po tinatalikuran ng ahensya. Ito po ay patuloy naming tinutugunan bilang bahagi ng transparency at good governance. Sa kasalukuyan, ang NIA ay nagsasagawa po ng masusing pagsisiyasat sa mga proyektong nabanggit sa kanyang reklamo.”
“Tulad ng bawat isa, ang hangad po namin ay katotohanan at hustisya. Muli, ang amin pong dalangin ay lakas at kapanatagan para sa kanyang mga naulilang mahal sa buhay. Nawa’y malaman po natin ang katotohanan at makamit ang katarungan sa likod ng pangyayaring ito,” Guillen concluded.
The NIA-Northern Mindanao Regional Office also issued an official statement condemning the killing of Antatico and reaffirming the agency’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Northern Mindanao Regional Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Niruh Kyle Antatico, who was a previous employee of the Agency.”
“We are aware of recent social media posts, raising concerns about certain NIA projects in the region. In response to these concerns, we want to reassure the public that these matters are being handled seriously.”
According to the regional office, NIA’s top management has already launched a comprehensive review and verification process in collaboration with relevant offices and authorities.
“This is not the first time such concerns have been addressed, and the Agency continues to prioritize transparency and accountability in all of its operations.”
The statement stressed that NIA-Northern Mindanao does not tolerate any form of irregularity in the implementation of its programs and projects.
“We leave it with enforcement agencies that conduct investigation. We respectfully urge the public to avoid speculations and allow due process to take its course.”
Antatico, a 40-year-old Juris Doctor graduate, was widely known for his courage in exposing alleged corruption within the very agency he once served. His death has sparked calls for justice, accountability, and protection for truth-tellers within the public service.