BI: Flood control suspects abroad could be considered fugitives

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Monday that those implicated in the flood-control corruption scandal who are outside the country and remain at large can now be considered “fugitive.”

BI Spokesperson Dana Sandoval said that four are reportedly outside the country, including former Representative Zaldy Co, whose whereabouts cannot be located.

“Kapag nagpalipat-lipat po ng bansa, maituturing na po silang pugante,” she said, warning that Interpol may be called in to locate suspects abroad.

On 21 November, the Sandiganbayan issued arrest warrants for Co and 17 others, including Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and executives from Sunwest Corporation. The Ombudsman has requested Interpol assistance for Co, who is reportedly outside the Philippines.

Over the weekend, the National Bureau of Investigation served at least one arrest warrant in Quezon City. At the same time, the Anti-Money Laundering Council is tracking overseas assets linked to the case, including bank accounts, property, and other holdings.

In a press conference, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla named fugitives at large and their last known locations: Zaldy Co (location unknown); Derma Alzazar, believed to be in New Zealand; Cesar Bueventura, reportedly in New York—both from Sunwest; and Montrexis Tamayo of the DPWH Planning and Design Division, thought to be in Jordan.

The DPWH has temporarily stopped foreign travel for its officials, while the DILG has given Co and several others until 24 November to surrender, warning that a manhunt will follow if they fail to do so.