THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has issued a subpoena to several high-ranking officials of the Cagayan de Oro City Water District (COWD).
The subpoena, dated June 25, 2024, calls for the appearance of seven key individuals from various departments of the water district at the NBI - Northern Mindanao Regional Office in Cagayan de Oro City on July 31, 2024.
Among those summoned are Vanessa Chiu, Finance Department Manager; Moses Echano, Engineering Department Manager; Ma. Evelyn Vasallo, Cash Management Division;
Others are Edna Najeal, Assistant General Manager; Maria Mercedes Batar, GM Executive Assistant and Board Secretary; and Souldie Laranjo, Management Services Department Manager.
The subpoena, issued under the authority of Republic Act 10867, directs the individuals to provide evidence related to an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities within the COWD.
The investigation was initiated at the request of the Interim General Manager of the Cagayan de Oro City Water District, Fermin Jarales.
According to the subpoena, the officials are required to appear at the specified location at 10:00 A.M. on the designated date to participate in the investigation conducted by the NBI.
It says, failure to comply with the subpoena could result in legal consequences.
The NBI is particularly interested in shedding light on the suspected irregularities within the COWD and is seeking cooperation from the summoned individuals to aid in their investigation.
The agency has requested the officials to bring Certified True Copies of certain documents, as detailed in Annex "A" of the subpoena.
The subpoena was signed by Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.), Director of the NBI, and was authorized by Vicente Guzman III, Assistant Director for Investigation Service.
The NBI aims to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover any potential wrongdoing and ensure transparency and accountability within the Cagayan de Oro City Water District.
