The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has announced that a new and expanded wave of arrests is imminent, targeting more high-profile individuals—including current and former lawmakers—implicated in the massive flood control corruption scandal.
DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla declared on Tuesday that the operation is entering a new phase, promising that more “big fish” would soon face justice. “We should expect the Discayas, senators, congressmen in the next five weeks, sunod-sunod na sila,” Remulla said.
He emphasized that the high-ranking suspects would not receive preferential treatment or be placed in custom-built facilities. “Walang ‘La Catedral’ dito. I-treat sila kagaya ng mga karamihan (There is no La Catedral here. They will be treated like everyone else).” Remulla was referring to the La Catedral prison in Medellin, Colombia, which was built to specifications ordered by Medellin Cartel leader Pablo Escobar under an agreement with the Colombian government.
The announcement follows the initial apprehension of eight suspects, seven of whom—including Gerald Pacanan, Gene Ryan Altea, and others—are now detained at the New Quezon City Jail and Camp Caringal, facing trials for plunder, anti-graft violations, and indirect bribery.
Meanwhile, the hunt for those who remain at large continues. Secretary Remulla issued an ultimatum to suspects who have fled the country to the United States and Qatar: surrender to the nearest Philippine embassy by Thursday.
The most challenging fugitive remains former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, the alleged mastermind of the scheme, who is reportedly evading capture using multiple passports. Philippine National Police (PNP) tracker teams are actively monitoring his confirmed movements across international locations, including the US, Europe, and Asia. “Umuwi ka na, kailangan mo managot sa batas (Come home, you need to face the law),” Remulla warned.
To ensure impartiality, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) confirmed that all detained suspects will receive the standard treatment accorded to every inmate, including regular meals, medical access, and normal visitation rights.
The PNP also issued a stern warning to anyone considering harboring or assisting the accused. Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez cautioned that individuals confirmed to be coddling the suspects in the graft and malversation cases will face criminal charges.
“Accountability and the rule of law must always prevail,” Nartatez stated. “Hindi kailangang madamay at magdusa kayo dito (You don’t need to suffer and be dragged into this).”