The National Bureau of Investigation has made a significant breakthrough in the controversial P289-million road dike project case in Oriental Mindoro, apprehending a key co-accused of former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co.
Engineer Arrested in Quezon City Raid
In a targeted operation on Sunday, November 23, 2025, the NBI-Technical Information Division successfully arrested Department of Public Works and Highways-Mimaropa engineer Dennis Abagon at a residence in Quezon City. The arrest followed a standing warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan court.
Abagon faces serious charges including malversation through falsification and two counts of graft charges related to irregularities in the implementation of the massive infrastructure project. The P289-million road dike project was awarded to Sunwest Corporation, a construction firm co-founded by former Representative Zaldy Co.
Widespread Investigation and Manhunt
The arrest warrant doesn't stop with Abagon. It extends to 15 other DPWH-Mimaropa officials and the entire board of directors of Sunwest Corporation. This indicates the broad scope of the investigation into the alleged anomalies.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police has activated specialized tracker teams to locate and arrest Co and his remaining co-accused. This action comes following direct instructions from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
International Manhunt and Government Response
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed that Co was recently tracked in Japan. The former representative had flown to the United States in July 2025 for medical treatment and has refused to return to the Philippines amid ongoing government investigations into flood control anomalies.
In an official statement, Secretary Remulla emphasized the government's firm position: "The department's position is firm. Enforcement will not depend on personalities or politics. Anyone who is the subject of a lawful warrant will be apprehended. The law applies equally to all and the DILG will carry out what needs to be done."
Remulla further stressed the importance of protecting public funds and maintaining government integrity, adding: "Public funds must be protected. Integrity in government must be upheld. The DILG will enforce the law and ensure that accountability proceeds as it should, for the safety and welfare of our people."
The case has drawn significant attention due to Sunwest Corporation's substantial involvement in government infrastructure projects. Records show the company ranks among the top 15 construction firms that secured 20 percent or approximately P100 billion worth of flood control projects nationwide between 2022 and 2025.
Several witnesses have identified Co as one of the primary beneficiaries of multi-billion peso kickbacks from flood control anomalies, though the former representative has denied these allegations and instead pointed fingers at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
