Eight of the 16 individuals accused in the alleged flood-control scam are now in government custody, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for law enforcement to swiftly enforce the Sandiganbayan arrest warrants.
The updated figure comes as The Situation Report obtained a document confirming that eight suspects have been arrested, while four others—including former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co—have been flagged for Interpol Red Notices, one is arranging his return from Israel, and three remain the subject of an active manhunt.
The eight individuals confirmed as arrested include DPWH Regional Director Gerald A. Pacanan; DPWH Assistant Regional Directors Gene Ryan A. Altea and Ruben C. Santos Jr.; DPWH Construction Division Chief Dominic G. Serrano; DPWH Material Engineer Juliet Cabungan Calvo; and DPWH Quality Assurance and Hydrology Division OIC-Chief Dennis P. Abagon. Also in custody are Lerma D. Cayco, an Accountant IV under the DPWH Bids and Awards Committee, and Felisardo S. Casuno, a Project Engineer III.
In a morning address on Monday, November 24, President Marcos again urged the remaining fugitives to surrender, saying it would place them in a better position to respond to the allegations once court proceedings begin.
The President said the results of the months-long investigations have now “borne fruit,” echoing his earlier warning that there would be “no Merry Christmas” for those implicated in the flood-control scam.
President Marcos stressed that operations would continue until all 16 suspects are fully accounted for, reiterating that law enforcement agencies have been instructed to move without delay.
He also warned that individuals who attempt to shelter or protect fugitives will be held liable for obstruction.
The President appealed to anyone considering helping the remaining suspects to instead convince them to face authorities, saying, “Ang pinakamalaking tulong na maibibigay ninyo sa kanila ay ang payuhan silang sumuko na.”
President Marcos added that those already detained will not receive any special treatment and will remain under NBI custody while the Sandiganbayan issues further instructions.
Based on the warrants issued, 16 individuals linked to alleged irregularities involving the DPWH and Sunwest Corporation are facing charges — including Co, who remains at large.
