Major Breakthrough in P289-Million Infrastructure Scandal
In a significant development in the controversial P289-million road dike project case, eight accused individuals are now under the custody of law enforcement agencies. Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla made this announcement during a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Monday, November 24, 2025.
Accused Officials in Custody
The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) currently holds seven of the accused, all connected to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Mimaropa regional office. Those in PNP custody include:
Gerald A. Pacanan - regional director of DPWH-Mimaropa, who voluntarily surrendered to authorities.
Gene Ryan A. Altea - former assistant regional director now serving as director of DPWH Bureau of Maintenance.
Ruben DS. Santos Jr. - current assistant regional director of DPWH-Mimaropa.
Dominic G. Serrano - chief of the Construction Division at DPWH-Mimaropa.
Felisardo S. Casuno - Project Engineer III at DPWH-Mimaropa.
Juliet C. Calvo - Chief of Maintenance Division at DPWH-Mimaropa.
Lerma D. Cayco - Accountant IV serving on the Bidding and Awards Committee at DPWH-Mimaropa.
NBI Arrest and Warning to Accomplices
The National Bureau of Investigation holds Dennis P. Abagon, former officer-in-charge of Quality Assurance and Hydrology Division. Abagon was arrested on Sunday, November 23, 2025, in a Quezon City residence confirmed to be owned by the Vice Mayor of Bansud, Oriental Mindoro.
Secretary Remulla issued a stern warning to those protecting the accused, stating in Filipino: "We warn that anyone who wants to help by hiding these individuals will face a punishment corresponding to their actions."
International Manhunt for Remaining Fugitives
The Sandiganbayan has issued arrest warrants against 16 individuals total in connection with the anomalous flood control project. Eight suspects remain at large, including:
Former Ako Bicol party list representative Elizalde "Zaldy" Co, who investigators believe is central to flood control anomaly investigations and is reportedly traveling between countries using a different passport to avoid capture.
Other fugitives abroad include Montrexis T. Tamayo, Adelma Angelie D. Alcazar, and Cesar X. Buenaventura, all associated with Sunwest Corporation. Remulla confirmed that these three are already coordinating with Philippine embassies for their surrender and repatriation.
Remulla emphasized the government's determination: "We have to make this clear that no matter where you are in the world, we will find you. If you are at large, we will find you. If you are hiding in the Philippines, we will find you."
He urged all individuals with outstanding warrants to surrender immediately to the nearest authorities, warning that "if we go on a manhunt after you, we cannot guarantee the results."
The P289-million road dike project in Oriental Mindoro has been under scrutiny for alleged irregularities, with this latest development marking a significant step in the government's anti-corruption efforts in infrastructure projects.
