Businessman Aristotle Viray, one of the co-accused of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta in a P75-million plunder case before the Sandiganbayan, was arrested on Monday, completing the custody of all individuals charged in the case.
Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla confirmed Viray’s arrest in a text message but did not immediately provide further details.
Viray’s arrest came after authorities earlier took Marcoleta into custody at the Sandiganbayan. Former Quezon City Rep. Michael Defensor and businessman Joseph Espiritu were also arrested at a coffee shop in Quezon City.
Viray underwent the standard booking procedure, including the taking of mug shots. Photos released by the Department of the Interior and Local Government showed Viray wearing an orange shirt marked “CIDG,” referring to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
The Sandiganbayan ordered the arrest of Marcoleta, Defensor, Espiritu, and Viray in connection with the plunder case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman.
With Viray’s arrest, all accused named in the case are now in police custody.