Manila: Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado announced that 35 individuals have been placed under surveillance for their alleged involvement in irregular flood control projects.

According to Philippines News Agency, the BI received an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) on Wednesday afternoon, instructing immigration officers to closely monitor the individuals listed. This directive was issued following the signing of the order by Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. The request for the ILBO came from Senator Rodante Marcoleta, chair of the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations, and Rodolfo Noel Quimbo, Director General of the Blue Ribbon Oversight Office Management (BROOM).

The list is part of an ongoing Senate investigation related to the 'Philippines Under Water' initiative, which examines reported misconduct in flood control projects beginning in 2022. Named in the ILBO are Alex and Raymond Abelido, Cezarah Discaya, Ma. Roma Discaya Rimando, Allan Quirante, among others.

The BI has been instructed to monitor these individuals due to the serious nature of the allegations and the ongoing investigation, as there is a significant risk they might attempt to escape legal proceedings by leaving the country.

Commissioner Viado emphasized that the ILBO serves solely for monitoring purposes and does not prevent the individuals from departing the Philippines. Immigration officers are tasked with verifying any new orders from relevant government agencies regarding the individuals if they attempt to leave the country. Additionally, officers are required to gather pertinent information about the subjects' travel activities to support the ongoing investigation.