'Nasa momentum': PNP confident of arrest of all respondents in flood control case
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed confidence that it would be able to account for all the remaining respondents in the first ever flood control project-related graft and malversation case filed before the Sandiganbayan.
Of the 16 respondents, nine are already under government custody, the latest was Montrexis Tamayo, officer-in-charge of DPWH-Mimaropa’s Planning and Design Division who was apprehended at NAIA Terminal 3 upon returning from the UAE on November 25.
One of the seven respondents is former Ako Bicol partylist representative Zaldy Co but acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said coordination with the police’s foreign counterparts is now ongoing to bring him home.
“With the way the operations are being carried out now, we in the PNP are confident that all the remaining accused in this case will be accounted for. This is part of the PNP’s commitment to truth and accountability in relation to this case,” said Nartatez.
He then lauded the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) for the recent arrest of Tamayo, saying it was the result of careful coordination between the PNP, Sandiganbayan, and other law enforcement units.
The arrest was made in connection with a P289.5-million anomalous road dike project in Oriental Mindoro.
He was processed at the CIDG office in Camp Crame before being turned over to the Sandiganbayan. Eight other co-accused have already appeared before the anti-graft court.
“The arrest strengthens the ongoing investigation and sends a clear message that no one is above the law,” Nartatez said.
He reassured the public that the PNP is fully prepared to continue law enforcement efforts.