Pumping station thieves to be jailed, Palace warns

MANILA, Philippines — Grappling with intense criticism over the severe flooding in many parts of Luzon, Malacañang yesterday warned those engaged in pilfering flood control infrastructure parts of serious legal consequences for “sabotaging” government projects.

Palace press officer Claire Castro said it was saddening that while state agencies were finding ways to ease the flooding problem, some pumping stations did not work properly because their components were stolen.

“The President’s efforts to address flooding is for everyone. Let us not be selfish. Life, health and property will be affected because of this pilferage. Do not sabotage the projects of the President,” the Palace press officer said in a video statement.

“To those who are behind this sabotage, the law will catch up with you. We will make you accountable because lives and livelihood may be affected by your selfish acts,” she added.

On Sunday, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon revealed that various flood mitigation infrastructure in Metro Manila were being impaired because of stolen cables, valves and manhole covers.

Among the affected projects were the Sunog Apog facility in Manila, whose high-voltage cables were stolen, and the Tumana Pumping Station, whose heavy-duty check valves were pilfered. Some iron manhole covers along Roxas Boulevard were also stolen.

In the same video statement, Castro urged residents in flood-hit areas to cooperate with local authorities and assured them of assistance.

“To our countrymen, the message of our President is take care, follow the advice of authorities. If you need to evacuate, evacuate. Follow them for your safety,” Castro said.

“The assistance is there and you will not be hungry. You will also be given non-food kits like hygiene kits, sleeping, clothing and kitchen kits,” she added.

Marcos was scheduled to meet with the interior, public works, social welfare and budget departments yesterday afternoon to discuss response measures in Metro Manila and Central Luzon areas hit by floods caused by monsoon rains.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan, meanwhile, has called for the immediate repair of roads, bridges and irrigation systems damaged by the southwest monsoon and recent typhoons.

He urged the government to rehabilitate damaged farm-to-market roads, irrigation and mechanization and dryer facilities so that farmers can return to their fields, transport their produce and prepare for the next planting and harvest cycle. — Marc Jayson Cayabyab