Shortly after agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested one of the 18 accused in the flood control anomaly, NBI-OIC Director Angelito DLP Magno on Monday said the rest should surrender to authorities.

“To all others still at large: the clock isn’t ticking—it’s ringing. Surrender now before the law knocks next,” said Magno, stressing that doing so is the most prudent way to avoid the consequences of enforced arrest.

At the same time, the NBI appealed to the public to refrain from assisting or harboring individuals seeking to evade lawful apprehension.

The directive of Magno is consistent with the NBI’s core mandate and underscores the administration’s determination to hold everyone involved in the flood control controversy fully accountable.

Magno said NBI agents arrested Engr. Dennis Pelo Abagon, Chief of the Quality Assurance and Hydrology Division (BAC member), early Sunday, November 23, 2025, in Sikatuna Village, Quezon City, after he evaded service in Cavite.

This is in consonance with the arrest warrants issued by the Sandiganbayan and aligned with the anti-corruption drive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the guidance of Justice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida.

Abagon, co-accused with Zaldy Co in the non-bailable flood-control malversation case, is now in custody.

Through a coordinated operation involving agents from the NBI’s Technical Intelligence Division (TID), National Capital Region (NCR) Office, Public Corruption Division (PCD), and Counter-Intelligence Division (CID), the Bureau successfully apprehended Abagon.

He is one of the individuals arrested following the Sandiganbayan’s issuance of warrants of arrest.

Magno said further investigation will determine the possible liability of individuals who may have assisted or harbored him while in hiding.

The NBI will promptly make a return to the Sandiganbayan, after which the respondent will be presented for the commencement of the appropriate court proceedings.

Magno further emphasized that Abagon will remain in NBI custody in a secure detention facility pending further orders from the Court, and no special treatment will be accorded to him.

He also confirmed that additional cases are actively being investigated, and the Bureau is committed to pursuing these to their full extent so that charges may be filed, prosecutions may proceed, and those responsible may ultimately be convicted.

This aligns with the Filipino people’s demand for justice and reinforces confidence that the rule of law will prevail.

Likewise, Magno acknowledged the swift and decisive actions of the Office of the Ombudsman, the Inter-Agency Committee on Infrastructure (ICI), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in initiating the first batch of cases.

The Bureau continues to monitor the progress of applications for Hold Departure Orders and passport cancellations for certain accused individuals as part of its coordinated efforts to prevent flight and ensure full accountability.

The agency will not stop until every person who betrays the public trust is made accountable before the law.