Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said authorities are pursuing two remaining fugitives in the P53.9-million flood control scam case, while nine other accused individuals are already in government custody.
Remulla made the statement Monday after personally overseeing the return of the warrants of arrest to the Regional Trial Court Branch 20 in Malolos City, Bulacan.
The accused are facing one count of violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and one count of malversation of public funds or property through falsification of public documents under the Revised Penal Code.
Remulla identified the two suspects still at large as Ernesto Galang and Lorenzo Pagtalunan.
“As of now, ang 9 are already in custody. Si Pacifico Discaya was picked up at 7 ng umaga, sinundo siya sa Senate, pagkatapos dinala siya dito para sa inquest. Para maklaro lang, sa 11 na charge, 9 na ang nakakulong, yung dalawa po at large,” Remulla said.
Those in custody are Merg Jaron Caparas Laus, Brice Ericson Diaz Hernandez, Jaypee De Leon Mendoza, Norberto De Leon Santos, Juanito Coronel Mendoza, Floralyn Yutuc Simbulan, Ma. Roma Angeline Discaya Rimando, Cezarah Rowena Cruz Discaya, and Pacifico “Curlee” F. Discaya II.
Remulla said the warrants for Discaya, Laus, and Santos had already been returned to the court, while authorities await the issuance of commitment orders.
“Hinihintay po natin ang commitment order ng korte at kung saan sila ire-remand. Nasa hukuman na po ang desisyong iyon,” he said.
The DILG said law enforcement agencies will continue operations to locate and arrest the remaining fugitives and ensure that all accused individuals face the charges before the court.