Former Sultan Kudarat solon surrenders amid graft raps

Former Sultan Kudarat Congressman Arnulfo Go surrendered to the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday after the Sandiganbayan issued four warrants of arrest against him for graft and malversation of public funds, police reported Tuesday.

Go, who was identified in police reports under the alias “Boss,” surrendered along Mabuhay Road in Barangay San Isidro, General Santos City.

The operation was facilitated by the Lebak Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office and the General Santos City Police Office.

The former lawmaker faces four arrest warrants issued by the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan over alleged violations of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code on Malversation of Public Funds.

The charges stem from the alleged misuse of Go’s Priority Development Assistance Fund allocation in 2012.

He is co-accused alongside three former local officials of Lebak, Sultan Kudarat -- former mayor Dionesio Besana, former treasurer Mario Labrador and former accountant Allan Bayani Gayosa.

PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Go was informed of the warrants and apprised of his constitutional rights upon his surrender.

“The law follows a process, and it is our duty to ensure it is observed properly. We do not look at who a person is or what position they previously held,” Nartatez said. “What matters is that we carry out our duty fairly, professionally, and with full respect for everyone’s rights.”