The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has made a significant arrest in the ongoing investigation into the controversial P289-million road dike project in Oriental Mindoro, apprehending a key figure linked to former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co.
Engineer Arrested in Quezon City Operation
Dennis Abagon, an engineer from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Mimaropa, was taken into custody during a Sunday, November 23, 2025 operation at a residence in Quezon City. The arrest was conducted by the NBI-Technical Information Division following a standing warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan.
The arrest warrant covers serious charges including malversation through falsification and two counts of graft charges related to irregularities in the implementation of the P289-million infrastructure project. The project had been awarded to Sunwest Corporation, a construction firm where former congressman Zaldy Co served as one of the co-founders.
Widespread Investigation and Company Background
According to investigation documents, Sunwest Corporation ranks among the top 15 construction firms in the Philippines that secured approximately 20 percent of the nation's flood control projects between 2022 and 2025. This represents a staggering amount of P100 billion in government contracts.
The arrest warrant extends beyond Abagon and Co, encompassing 15 additional DPWH-Mimaropa officials and members of Sunwest Corporation's board of directors. This indicates the broad scope of the alleged corruption network involved in the project.
Manhunt Intensifies for Key Figures
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has activated tracker teams to locate and apprehend Zaldy Co and other individuals named in the warrant. This action follows direct instructions from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
In an official statement, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla assured the public that due process would be strictly observed and all individuals subject to arrest warrants would be treated according to legal protocols.
Recent developments reveal that Co was tracked to Japan as of Friday, November 21. The former congressman had traveled to the United States in July for medical treatment and has refused to return to the Philippines amid the government's investigation into flood control anomalies.
Co has cited threats to his life and his family's safety as reasons for his refusal to return. However, multiple witnesses have identified him as one of the primary beneficiaries of multi-billion peso kickbacks from the flood control project irregularities.
The former lawmaker has consistently denied all allegations, instead redirecting blame toward President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. The case continues to develop as authorities pursue the remaining individuals named in the arrest warrants.
