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Thursday, July 17, 2003
Capitol seeks NBI help in probe of missing sand, gravel for Panaad
By Avelyn Z. Agudon
NEGROS Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon has asked the National Bureau of Investigation to look into the missing sand and gravel intended for the Panaad Housing Village in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.
Marañon, in his letter to lawyer Celso Estorga, NBI-Bacolod head, sought the NBI’s assistance to establish the identities of those who are directly responsible for the missing construction materials.
He said an investigation committee was created to conduct a preliminary investigation on the case and Engr. Bernard Gasendo, officer of the Panaad Park and Stadium Recreation and Welfare Service, was charged with “neglect of duty.”
But Gasendo tendered his irrevocable resignation last May 29, a few weeks after the Provincial Legal Office found him liable for the controversial missing sand and gravel.
The construction materials are supposed to be used for the concrete paving of roadways of the six-hectare Provincial Government’s housing project at the Panaad Park and Stadium.
Moreover, the governor said he wanted the NBI to pursue the case to determine the identities of those directly responsible so they can be formally charged in court.
Gasendo earlier said that his resignation is not a gesture of protest to the findings of the investigation panel on the missing sand and gravel nor an admission of guilt, but as a matter of delicadeza.
Gasendo said he plans on seeking greener pastures abroad, specifically in the Middle East.
But Marañon reiterated that he could not immediately act on Gasendo’s resignation because the investigation committee, headed by lawyer Mary Ann Manayon-Lamis is yet to conduct a “full and just investigation.”
Gasendo earlier suspected a connivance between the inspectors and the supplier of the sand and gravel because they scheduled inspections among themselves without closely coordinating with him.
He said when the inspectors and supplier went to the site, they did not even pass by his office and update him of the deliveries to be inspected.
(July 17, 2003 issue)
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