PNP intensifies manhunt for remaining floodgate suspects
Personnel from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) escorted the eight DPWH officials linked to the Oriental Mindoro flood control anomaly during their arraignment before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division in Quezon City, where they entered a plea of not guilty to graft charges.
ANALY LABOR
The Philippine National Police assured the public that operations are ongoing to locate and apprehend the seven remaining suspects accused of corruption of flood control funds in Oriental Mindoro, including former Representative Zaldy Co.
Philippine Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed police units to intensify the hunt as more suspects continue to surrender or be arrested in law enforcement operations.
“With the way the operations are being carried out, we in the PNP are confident that all the remaining accused in this case will be accounted for. This is part of the PNP’s commitment to truth and accountability in relation to this case,” Nartatez said.
The acting PNP Chief lauded the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) for their recent operation where they arrested Engineer Montrexis Tamayo, officer in charge of DPWH-Mimaropa’s Planning and Design Division.
Tamayo was apprehended at NAIA Terminal 3 upon returning from the UAE on 25 November. He was positively identified via government ID and informed of two Sandiganbayan arrest warrants for malversation through falsification and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
“The arrest strengthens the ongoing investigation and sends a clear message that no one is above the law,” Nartatez said.
“Don’t worry, PNP is always ready and will continue to enforce the law against all violators, especially in cases that have a major impact on the nation,” he added.
Meanwhile, the eight DPWH officials connected to the P289.5-million anomalous substandard flood control project pleaded guilty in their graft charge in Sandiganbayan on Thursday during their arraignment. Juliet Calvo, who posted a P90,000 bail for her graft charge, did not attend the arraignment as the court has not issued a produce order for her appearance.
On Wednesday, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that Calvo was re-arrested for a non-bailable malversation case, of which the other accused are facing.
Those who pleaded in their graft charge are: Gerald Pacanan, Gene Ryan Allurin, Ruben Santos Jr., Dominic Serrano, Felisardo Sevare, Lerma Cayco, Dennis Abagon, and Montrexis Tamayo.
The arraignment of the malversation charge is set on 2 December.