Manila: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has initiated a thorough investigation by forming a special committee to look into the collapse of the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela, which occurred late last month.

According to Philippines News Agency, DPWH Secretary Manual Bonoan announced the formation of the committee through Special Order No. 35, series of 2025, dated March 17. The committee will be led by Undersecretary Anne Sharlyne Lapuz and Undersecretary Eric Ayapana as the chairperson and co-chairperson, respectively. The team also includes Assistant Secretary Michael Villafranca, Director Alex Bote of the Planning Service, and Director Gliricidia Tumaliuan-Ali of the Legal Service.

The committee has been granted several powers to ensure an impartial investigation. These include the ability to gather and consolidate evidence, compel the attendance of knowledgeable DPWH employees, and form a Composite Team, Technical Working Group, and Secretariat to assist in the investigation. The Technical Working Group is authorized to conduct interviews and ocular inspections, with corresponding reports. The committee is tasked with creating an investigation plan and timeline to present to the Office of the Secretary within three days of the order's issuance.

The directive also requires the committee to submit its findings and recommendations to the Office of the Secretary by April 25, 2025. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. noted during his visit to Isabela on March 5 that the bridge's collapse could be attributed to design flaws. The incident took place on the evening of February 27 when the third span from the Cabagan side of the bridge collapsed after a dump truck loaded with boulders passed over it.