No charges against contractor in Talisay drainage project

The family of a 29-year-old engineering graduate who fell into a hole and died afterward decided not to pursue charges against the contractor of the drainage project.

“Filing a case is a hassle and we cannot afford it. At the end, the case will just be settled,” said Alejo delos Reyes Jr., father of victim Norman delos Reyes.

A.R. Adlawan Construction Inc. was hired by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to implement the P50-million drainage project from Barangay Bulacao to Barangay Tabunok.

Delos Reyes said his son Norman dreamed of becoming a licensed electrical engineer so he can work abroad and build a house for them.

“A representative of A.R. Adlawan Construction Inc. visited and promised to shoulder the expenses for the burial of my son,” he said.

Norman delos Reyes died after falling into a hole on a national highway in Barangay Bulacao, Talisay City while on his way home to Poblacion Ward III, Minglanilla town from Lapu-Lapu City.

Cebu Daily News tried but was unable to reach representatives of A.R. Adlawan Construction Inc. Almond dela Peña, traffic operations chief of Talisay City, said the death of Delos Reyes is the second recorded incident allegedly caused by the contractor’s negligence.

Dela Peña said their office previously received reports last January that a motorist was hit by a backhoe parked along the site.

“We’ve called their attention since last month. Though the contractor has installed caution tape it is not enough and we cannot consider it as an early warning device,” dela Peña said.