Manila: Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has relieved the district engineer of DPWH - Camarines Sur's 1st District Engineering Office following a road crash in Barangay Magais, Del Gallego, Camarines Sur last week.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a memorandum issued on Aug. 5, Dizon relieved Ramon Anselmo Calagos due to the reported lack of adequate road safety warning signs and traffic safety devices at an ongoing road construction site along Andaya Highway, where a vehicular accident occurred on July 29, injuring three individuals.

The relieved official was also directed to report to the Office of the Regional Director of DPWH-Bicol for the assignment of his duties and responsibilities. Likewise, Calagos was ordered to conduct an inventory, accomplish, complete, and sign all pending documents and deliverables, and formally turn over all official records, papers, and properties under his custody to the appropriate office.

'I want to make two announcements. Effective yesterday, I've already replaced the District Engineer of the 1st District of Camarines Sur because we need to make our people accountable. We already ordered all districts and regions nationwide that we need to be very, very strict with safety standards,' Dizon said in an interview on Thursday during his inspection of the Oplan Kontra Baha Program along Sagop Creek, Barangay Concepcion Peque±a, together with Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo.

"Second, we will hold the contractor accountable. It is the responsibility of the contractor to put up the right safety signs, and we have a strict standard. And if that is not followed, life is the price. In some cases, life is the price, and really, it's unacceptable. So, there needs to be someone to answer for this. So, this is without prejudice on future cases that can be filed against both the contractor and the people involved,' he added.

At the same time, Dizon ordered an investigation to determine if others should be held liable for the incident. Dizon also reminded DPWH personnel and contractors to ensure the proper execution of projects so as not to endanger the lives of motorists, commuters, and other road users.