Manila: Two officials from the construction firm Sunwest Inc. involved in the ongoing flood control controversy have indicated their willingness to surrender, according to the police. The revelation came on Monday, as authorities continue to grapple with the implications of the scandal.
According to Philippines News Agency, Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico, chief of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), revealed in a press briefing held at Camp Crame that family members approached the authorities through backchannel communications regarding the possible surrender of the implicated Sunwest officials. However, Morico refrained from disclosing which executives have sent the surrender feelers.
The CIDG National Capital Region previously named Sunwest directors Consuelo Aldon, Noel Cao, and Anthony Ngo as among those who have been ordered arrested for their alleged involvement in a fraudulent flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. Maj. Gen. Morico emphasized that although these individuals hold significant positions within the company, they are perceived as mere figureheads without the financial means to secure legal representation.
A total of 16 individuals have been charged in connection with this case, including former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co, who is reported to be outside the country. The charges also extend to local officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways.
During a press briefing at Malaca±ang, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla made a public appeal to overseas Filipinos for assistance in locating Zaldy Co. Remulla urged anyone who might spot Co to photograph him and post the images online to aid in determining his whereabouts.
Remulla further disclosed suspicions that Co might be residing in Portugal and is believed to possess a Portuguese passport. He explained that Co holds dual passports, which complicates the situation. The Secretary assured that a comprehensive government effort is underway, involving the DILG, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Justice, and the Ombudsman, aiming to achieve a satisfactory resolution regarding Co's repatriation.
