Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), assisted by airport police, arrested a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer implicated in the alleged anomalous P289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
CIDG director Police Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico confirmed the arrest of Montrexis Tamayo, former officer-in-charge of the Planning and Design Division of DPWH-Mimaropa, at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 shortly after his arrival on Tuesday afternoon, November 25.
Tamayo was reportedly in Jordan when the arrest warrant was issued against former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co and at least 14 other officials from Sunwest Construction and DPWH, who face graft and malversation charges.
Morico said CIDG men immediately went to the NAIA after confirming reports that Tamayo was on board an Emirates Airline flight bound for Manila
“Upon arrival of the flight, arresting personnel approached the subject for verification. Using an identification card as Montrexis Tordecilla Tamayo. The arresting team informed him of the nature of the warrants, and the arrest was effected without incident,” a police report read.
Morico said Tamayo was taken to Camp Crame in Quezon City for documentation, including the taking of fingerprints and mugshots, as part of a legal process.
He said Tamayo was presented to the court that issued the arrest warrant at the Sandiganbayan. Morico said it is the Sandiganbayan which will issue a commitment order as to where Tamatyo would be detained.
The arrest of Tamayo brought to nine the total number of accused in the flood control-related charges now under government custody.
All the female accused are expected to be detained at the Camp Karingal in Quezon City while a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-run detention facility in Payatas, Quezon City is the designated jail for the male accused. (Aaron Recuenco)
