The ‘big fish’ in the flood scam could be arrested within five weeks, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said. The targets include several senators, congressmen, and the Discaya family, who are allegedly involved in large-scale corruption in DPWH-MIMAROPA projects.
Remulla said that the other accused who have not yet been caught are in Qatar and United States. They have been given until tomorrow to surrender to the nearest Philippine embassy. According to the DILG, they are in possession of the suspects' passports so they can be easily tracked wherever they go.
It is reportedly difficult to find the alleged mastermind of the scam, former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co because he has two passports. According to Remulla, tracker teams have seen Co's movements in Europe, Asia, and US. Another suspect was also arrested at the home of a vice mayor in Mindoro, who could be charged with obstruction of justice.
The PNP has stated that anyone who hides or helps the fugitives will be charged. The BJMP also said that there will be no special treatment for the surrendered officers. They will remain in the same cell, with 24-hour medical services, regular visits, and basic food worth P100 per day.
In Congress, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) summoned Quezon City Rep. Arjo Atayde and Caloocan Rep. Dean Asistio after they were implicated by contractor Curlee Discaya. Both denied the accusation and promised to submit documents as part of the investigation.
