SOLANO, Philippines — The Marcos administration’s anti-corruption campaign entered a dramatic new phase on Monday, November 24, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that seven individuals linked to the alleged multi-billion-peso flood-control scam are now under government custody. The President, who has faced escalating public pressure to demonstrate firm leadership after exposing the corruption scheme earlier this year, released the update through social media, drawing massive attention nationwide. According to Marcos, one suspect was apprehended by the National Bureau of Investigation, while six others opted to voluntarily surrender to police authorities as the government executed Sandiganbayan arrest warrants issued for resigned AKO-BICOL Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and seventeen other personalities. The crackdown signals one of the strongest enforcement moves under the administration so far, with the President stressing that accountability will be pursued fully, regardless of rank or political affiliation.

Voluntary Surrenders Continue as More Suspects Express Intent to Turn Themselves In

Marcos also noted that two additional suspects have already coordinated with authorities and expressed willingness to surrender, a development that reflects growing pressure on the remaining fugitives as law enforcement widens its surveillance and community coordination efforts. The President emphasized that all seven arrested individuals will remain in NBI custody while trial proceedings unfold, highlighting that the administration aims to prevent any attempts at flight or interference with the ongoing investigation. With the stakes rising and nationwide media attention focused on the case, the arrests mark a significant milestone in unraveling what investigators describe as a deeply entrenched network of anomalous transactions within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), particularly in flood-control projects across multiple regions.

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Palace Releases Mugshots as Authorities Warn Against Harboring Fugitives

In a move underscoring the seriousness of the crackdown, the Palace released the mugshots of the suspects already in custody, identifying them as Gerald Pacanan, Regional Director of DPWH Mimaropa; Gene Ryan Altea, Director of the DPWH Bureau of Maintenance; Ruben Santos, DPWH Mimaropa Assistant Regional Director; Dominic Serrano, Chief of Construction for DPWH Mimaropa; Felisardo Casuno, Project Engineer of DPWH Mimaropa; and Juliet Cabungan of the DPWH Mimaropa Maintenance Division. These individuals, according to investigators, played various roles in facilitating the alleged diversion of infrastructure funds through overpriced flood-control projects. Marcos issued a stern reminder to the public that harboring any suspect constitutes obstruction of justice, revealing that the NBI had arrested one of the accused inside the home of another person who may now face charges. This warning forms part of the intensified efforts to prevent potential shielding of fugitives, especially as high-profile personalities like Zaldy Co remain at large.

Billions in Question as Details of the DPWH Flood-Control Scam Unfold

The alleged DPWH flood-control scam involves billions of pesos in public funds that were reportedly siphoned through a complex kickback mechanism involving project padding, manipulated bidding processes, and coordinated sign-offs by ranking officials. Investigators believe that the corruption scheme spanned several years, exploiting the country’s annual flood-control budget—a critical allocation intended to protect communities from natural disasters, particularly during heavy typhoons and monsoon seasons. The scandal has sparked intense public outrage because the diverted funds were originally meant for disaster mitigation, river dredging, drainage improvements, and infrastructure aimed at reducing flood risks in vulnerable provinces. The ongoing revelations have underscored longstanding concerns about corruption in infrastructure spending, with citizens demanding structural reforms within the DPWH and stronger oversight mechanisms across national agencies.

Growing Pressure on the Marcos Administration as Investigation Deepens

Political analysts note that this evolving scandal poses a major test for the Marcos administration as it balances the demands for transparency with the political sensitivities tied to prosecuting high-level officials. The President’s rapid actions, ordering immediate enforcement of arrest warrants, releasing updates directly to the public, and coordinating with the NBI and PNP, have been interpreted as an effort to maintain public trust and demonstrate that the anti-corruption drive under his leadership is not merely symbolic. For communities affected by floods year after year, the scandal feels deeply personal; many view it as a betrayal of public trust at the expense of lives, livelihoods, and local resilience.

Manhunt Intensifies for Zaldy Co and Remaining Fugitives

Despite the progress, seven individuals remain at large, including Zaldy Co, whose name has become central in online discussions and community demands for justice. Law enforcement agencies have intensified their coordinated search efforts, tapping local governments, community informants, and regional monitoring units to locate the remaining suspects. Authorities have encouraged the public to provide verifiable information that could lead to the surrender or arrest of the fugitives, reiterating that charges await anyone attempting to hide or aid their escape.

A Nation Watching Closely

As the investigation continues to expand and the manhunt deepens, the Philippines watches with anticipation—and frustration—over how the flood-control scam will reshape the national conversation around governance, accountability, and public service. With billions of pesos potentially misused and communities left vulnerable to flooding disasters, the stakes remain incredibly high. The Marcos administration faces the critical task of ensuring that justice is served transparently, swiftly, and decisively, as the country grapples with one of the most significant corruption scandals in recent years.

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