Eight out of 16 accused in the flood control anomalies are already in government custody, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced Monday morning.
In a press conference, Remulla said that seven of the suspects are currently held by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), while one has been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Those arrested include Department of Public Works and Highways–Mimaropa chief Gerald Pacanan, along with regional officials Gene Ryan Altea, Ruben Santos, Dominic Serrano, Felisardo Casino, Juliet Calvo, Dennis Abagon, and Lerma Cayco. Earlier in the day, Malacañang released the mugshots of several individuals previously apprehended in connection with alleged anomalies in government flood control projects.
In the same presscon, Remulla released photos of the 16 Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Sunwest officials allegedly involved in the controversial project.
The 16 accused individuals are as follows:
- Elizaldy “Zaldy” S. Co
- Gerald A. Pacanan
- Gene Ryan A. Altea
- Ruben C. Santos, Jr.
- Dominic G. Serrano
- Juliet C. Calvo
- Dennis P. Abagon
- Montrexis T. Tamayo
- Lerna D. Coyco
- Felisardo S. Casuno
- Timojen A. Sacar
- Aderma Angelie D. Alcazar
- Cesar X. Buenaventura
- Consuelo D. Aldon
- Engr. Noel Y. Cao
- Anthony L. Ngo
Among the 16 individuals facing arrest warrants in connection with the anomalous flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, is the controversial resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who is "alleged to have used another passport," though it is unknown if he used a different name.
Remulla earlier disclosed that Co was last seen in Japan as of November 21, while, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reports showed that Co departed for Singapore on August 6.
He had also reportedly left the country in July to seek "medical treatment" in the United States.
While, Co remains at large, Remulla confirmed that three other officials currently abroad have contacted the Philippine embassy to coordinate their eventual surrender.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said strict operations are ongoing to quickly apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the case.
