Marcos says 7 people linked to flood control scandal now in state custody

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said seven people wanted in connection with anomalies in government flood control projects are now under state custody, as his administration seeks to show concrete progress in its widening anti-corruption crackdown.

- By Chloe Mari A. Hufana Reporter and Erika Mae P. Sinaking

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. holds a news briefing on the government's anti-corruption drive at the presidential palace.

(PHILIPPINE STAR/NOEL B. PABALATE)

In a video statement released on Monday, Mr. Marcos said one suspect was arrested by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) operatives, while six others surrendered to the Philippine National Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. Two more suspects have signaled that they intend to turn themselves in.

The arrests follow the exposure of a multibillion-peso public works scam that Mr. Marcos discussed in his state of the nation address in July. Public frustration over systemic corruption has deepened in recent months, especially after widespread flooding highlighted years of poor or absent flood-mitigation works.

"There will be no special treatment," the President said in Filipino, adding that all suspects would remain under NBI custody pending court orders.

He said authorities were tracking down seven more people still at large, including former House Appropriations Committee Chairman Elizaldy S. Co, the most prominent person named in the case.

The country's anti-graft court issued arrest warrants last week for Mr. Co and 16 others, including the seven who have been taken into custody.

Mr. Marcos said one of the suspects was caught outside their home, and that people who sheltered the fugitive would also face charges. He urged the remaining respondents to surrender, saying they should answer the accusations in court.

The President also warned that anyone helping fugitives evade arrest could be prosecuted for harboring suspects. "We will not stop. We will not hesitate," he said, adding that the investigation and arrests would proceed until all those covered by warrants have been accounted for.