Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary (DILG) Jonvic Remulla issued an ultimatum to former Ako-Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and his 15 co-accused, warning them that the full force of the law will be applied against them if they refuse to surrender today (November 24).
In a radio interview, Remulla warned that failure to surrender would prompt authorities to actively pursue the suspects and exhaust all measures to ensure they are brought before the bar of justice.
“All bets are off, if they show even the slightest aggressive maneuvers or evasive maneuvers, baka magpasensyahan kami,” he said.
For his part, National Bureau of Investigation Officer-in-Charge Angelito Magno stated that they are actively searching for the individuals named in the warrants.
“Sa batas, walang ‘later’—only comply or be compelled. Mas magaan ang proseso kapag kusang loob; mas mabigat kapag hinabol. Face the warrant now. Justice is calling-better to meet it than to run from it,” he said.
(In law, there is no ‘later’—only comply or be compelled. The process is easier when it is voluntary; harder when it is pursued. Face the warrant now. Justice is calling-better to meet it than to run from it.)
On Sunday, November 23, the NBI confirmed the arrest of a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) district engineer, identified as Dennis Abagon of DPWH MIMAROPA, in connection with alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
Meanwhile, police personnel from stations in Albay attempted to serve arrest warrants to Co.
According to Remulla, Co was last seen in Japan.
Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that authorities have already arrested seven suspects sought by the Sandiganbayan in connection with the anomalous flood control projects scam.
