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Advocates Philippines
Marcos Urges Remaining Flood Control Suspects To Surrender As Arrests Begin
Photo credit: PCO
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. convened top security and justice officials in Malacañang on Monday to fast-track the enforcement of arrest warrants issued against individuals indicted for graft and malversation linked to flood control fund irregularities.
The closed-door meeting brought together key figures leading the nationwide manhunt, including Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, PAOCC Executive Director Benjamin Acorda Jr., Acting PNP Chief PLt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., and NBI Officer-in-Charge Angelito Magno.
Earlier in the day, the President released a video message confirming that authorities have already taken seven of the 16 accused into custody. He called on the remaining suspects—among them former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co—to immediately surrender.
He also issued a firm warning to anyone attempting to hide or protect the fugitives, saying they will face criminal liability for doing so.
The crackdown stems from the President’s directive during his Fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28, where he ordered a full investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
That directive later led to the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), formed through Executive Order No. 94 signed on September 11, 2025. The commission is tasked with probing questionable infrastructure projects—including flood control initiatives—and recommending charges against those found responsible.
With arrests already underway and the hunt intensifying, Malacañang emphasized that the government intends to move decisively to hold those involved in the irregularities accountable.
The closed-door meeting brought together key figures leading the nationwide manhunt, including Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, PAOCC Executive Director Benjamin Acorda Jr., Acting PNP Chief PLt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., and NBI Officer-in-Charge Angelito Magno.
Earlier in the day, the President released a video message confirming that authorities have already taken seven of the 16 accused into custody. He called on the remaining suspects—among them former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co—to immediately surrender.
He also issued a firm warning to anyone attempting to hide or protect the fugitives, saying they will face criminal liability for doing so.
The crackdown stems from the President’s directive during his Fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28, where he ordered a full investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
That directive later led to the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), formed through Executive Order No. 94 signed on September 11, 2025. The commission is tasked with probing questionable infrastructure projects—including flood control initiatives—and recommending charges against those found responsible.
With arrests already underway and the hunt intensifying, Malacañang emphasized that the government intends to move decisively to hold those involved in the irregularities accountable.
Nov 24, 2025
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