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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Hiding as staff? PNP, NBI storm Pasay hotel used as 'safe house' of Sunwest execs wanted for OrMin flood control mess

Hiding as staff? PNP, NBI storm Pasay hotel used as 'safe house' of Sunwest execs wanted for OrMin flood control mess

Published Nov 28, 2025 11:54 am
(Photo: Criminal Investigation and Detection Group)
(Photo: Criminal Investigation and Detection Group)
(UPDATED: Hotel management's response reflected in November 30 update.)
Combined elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) swooped down on a luxury casino hotel in Pasay City on Friday, Nov. 28, to serve arrest warrants against three executives of Sunwest Corporation who were ordered arrested by the Sandiganbayan for graft and malversation charges over their alleged involvement in an anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
Police Colonel John Guiagui, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group – National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR), said the joint operation at the Midas Hotel was launched after they received information that Mr. Consuelo Aldon, Mr. Anthony Ngo, and Mr. Noel Cao, members of the Board of Directors of Sunwest Corporation, had been allegedly hiding there while posing as hotel employees.
He said the hotel is reportedly a subsidiary of Sunwest Corporation.
“The operation includes serving the warrants of arrest against the three board directors of Sunwest. Unfortunately, they were not here but based on the information we received yesterday, they were hidden here and had been posing as hotel employees,” Guiagui said.
“Based on the information we received, Sunwest is a subsidiary owner of Midas Hotel,” he added.
 In a statement sent to the Manila Bulletin via email on Sunday, Nov. 30, the management of the Midas Hotel and Casino said that it "remains a law-abiding organization committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and integrity."
"We continuously strive to provide a safe, secure, and pleasant experience for all of our valued guests," the hotel's management added, noting that it would address further official concerns through proper channels.
More than 100 personnel from the CIDG and NBI were deployed to sweep all 10 floors of the hotel. Guiagui explained that the large deployment was necessary for an orderly and quick operation.
“It’s not overkill. How many floors are there? Ten. We have to cover everything. We checked everything one by one, the rooms, the kitchen, even housekeeping,” he noted.
Despite the extensive search, no arrests were made.
Hunt continues
The three Sunwest officials remain at large. Guiagui said nine of the 16 individuals ordered arrested in relation to the allegedly anomalous P289.5-million road dike project in Oriental Mindoro have been accounted for but none of the Sunwest executives have been apprehended.
(Photo: Criminal Investigation and Detection Group)
(Photo: Criminal Investigation and Detection Group)
Some of the accused, including former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, are believed to be abroad.
“The three who are here, they’re the ones we’re looking for. Rest assured, even those who are abroad, our efforts to find them will continue,” Guiagui said.
Guiagui also revealed that various sources have been forwarding information on the suspects’ possible locations.
“Everyone has been coordinating with us. I understand it because they’re really angry. All Filipinos want these wanted persons to face our laws,” he added.
When asked if the three Sunwest executives may have also left the country, Guiagui said it is still being verified. He emphasized that the search will not be limited to the hotel.
CIDG operatives in Bicol also conducted ground inspection of the air assets allegedly owned by Co in Barangay Alobo, Daraga, Albay on Friday.
“This is not the only place we’re looking at as a possible hideout. All properties linked to Sunwest, may it be buildings, may it be residential areas, may it be subdivisions we will go there,” he said.
'Surrender now or else…'
Guiagui urged the suspects to surrender and warned them that evading arrest would only worsen their situation. He also called on Ngo to surrender his firearms as his permits had already been canceled, and failure to comply may prompt a search of his residence.
Guiagui also warned anyone coddling the fugitives that they, too, may be imprisoned if they continue to help the suspects to hide.
“All those who are sheltering or hiding them, it’s better that you cooperate. Otherwise, we will file charges against you,” he said. “It’s better if you tell us yourselves where they are. The CIDG lines are open, and all information will be treated as confidential.”
He added that some suspects who earlier sent surrender feelers from abroad have yet to return despite their Thursday deadline.

Related Tags

PNP CIDG Sunwest Corporation Zaldy Co Midas Hotel Pasay City NBI
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