NBI warns public against hiding suspects in flood control mess

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday urged the public not to assist or hide individuals facing warrants of arrest over allegedly anomalous flood control projects.

The reminder came as the bureau announced the arrest of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official Dennis Abagon on Sunday in Sikatuna, Quezon City, after he reportedly evaded the service of his warrant in Cavite.

NBI officer-in-charge Angelito Magno said the bureau will conduct further investigation to determine the possible liability of individuals who may have helped Abagon evade arrest.

“The Bureau appealed to the public to refrain from assisting or harboring individuals seeking to evade lawful apprehension,” the NBI said in a statement.

“This directive is consistent with the NBI’s core mandate and underscores the administration’s determination to hold everyone involved in the flood control controversy fully accountable,” it added.

The arrest warrant against Abagon stemmed from malversation of public funds charges filed by the Office of the Ombudsman against him and several others in connection with the alleged anomalous P289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

Magno also called on the other accused individuals to surrender.

“To all others still at large: the clock isn’t ticking — it’s ringing. Surrender now before the law knocks next,” he said.

He added that the NBI is investigating additional cases related to the controversy.

In a press conference on Monday, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla also warned those helping the accused hide from authorities.

“Binabalaan po namin lahat ng gustong tumulong itago ang mga ito ay may kaparusahan na katumbas sa kanilang ginagawa,” Remulla said.

(We warn anyone who wants to help hide these accused they face punishment commensurate with what they are doing.)

He also encouraged the implicated individuals to already surrender.

“Our best advice to all who have outstanding warrants of arrest against them: Surrender as soon as possible. Surrender to the nearest authorities. Surrender to the nearest police station,” he said.

“If we go on a manhunt after you, we cannot guarantee the results. For the sake of your families, for the sake of the country, surrender immediately,” he added. —MCG/RF, GMA Integrated News