Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday served the arrest warrant against controversial contractor Pacifico 'Curlee' Discaya, a key figure in the flood control corruption controversy. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that a sufficient number of police personnel were deployed to the Senate to serve the warrant issued by a regional trial court in Bulacan.

According to Philippines News Agency, Discaya had been under Senate custody since late last year after being cited in contempt during a hearing on flood control projects. This necessitated coordination with the chamber before the warrant could be served. PNP chief Nartatez emphasized that the arrest warrant was implemented in accordance with the law and established procedures, ensuring an orderly, lawful, and transparent turnover process. He further stated that there will be no special treatment, and all persons subject to lawful arrest will be accorded the same standards of professionalism and due process.

The Office of the Ombudsman filed a case against Discaya and several others last week for violation of Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code. This pertains to malversation of public funds or property, through falsification of public documents in relation to Articles 171(4) and 48, over an allegedly anomalous flood control project in Bulacan. On Friday, Branch 20 of the Bulacan Regional Trial Court ordered the arrest of Discaya, his wife Cezarah, and nine others. The 11 accused are facing non-bailable charges.

Of the 11, nine are already in custody, as stated by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. Remulla identified the at-large suspects as former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan First District Engineering Office planning and design chief Ernesto Galang and former maintenance section officer-in-charge Lorenzo Pagtalunan. "As of now nine are already in custody," Remulla told reporters in a briefing outside the Malolos Regional Trial Court.