President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has urged individuals with outstanding warrants of arrest over flood control anomalies—including resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co—to surrender, as he announced Monday, Nov. 24, that seven of the 16 accused are already in custody.
In a video message, Marcos reported that out of the 16 individuals facing warrants from the Sandiganbayan, seven are now under authorities’ custody, two have expressed intent to surrender, while the rest remain at large.
“Sa tatlong warrant at labing-anim na pangalan, pito na ang hawak ng ating awtoridad. Dalawa, susuko na. Pito ang nanatiling at large at kasama na diyan si Zaldy Co,” Marcos said in a two-minute video.
The President urged the remaining accused to surrender voluntarily rather than wait for authorities to pursue them.
“Sa lahat ng natitirang akusado, ang aking payo sa inyo ay sumuko na kayo. Huwag na inyong antayin na hahabul habulin pa kayo. Mas maganda para sitwasyon ninyo na sumuko na kayo para maging maganda ang inyong pagsagot sa mga alegasyon na dinala kontra sa inyo,” he said.
Marcos did not provide further details about the arrests but disclosed that one suspect apprehended by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was found outside his residence. He warned that those aiding fugitives in hiding or evading arrest will also be held accountable.
The President stressed that the “biggest help” supporters can give is to encourage the accused to surrender and face the allegations.
“Kaya’t sinasabi natin na yung mga may balak na tulungan itong mga ito, e ang pinakamalaking tulong na maibibigay n’yo sa kanila ay mag-surrender na sila at para makasagot na sila dito sa mga alegasyon na hinaharap nila,” Marcos said.
“Sa mga nagtatangkang tumulong sa pagtatago, tandaan ninyo na kahit papano mananagot din kayo kung kayo ay nagtatago ng isang fugitive from justice,” he added.
Marcos assured that no one will be given special treatment, with all detainees remaining under NBI custody pending the court’s order.
Of the 16 accused, one was arrested by the NBI, six voluntarily surrendered to the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP–CIDG), while two more are coordinating with the PNP–CIDG for their turnover. (Betheena Unite)
