MANILA — Acting on the Sandiganbayan’s warrants of arrest, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended Engr. Dennis Pelo Abagon, Chief of the Quality Assurance and Hydrology Division and a member of the DPWH Bids and Awards Committee, in Sikatuna Village, Quezon City.

Abagon, co-accused of former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co in the non-bailable flood control malversation case, had previously evaded service of the arrest warrant in Cavite and is now in NBI custody.

The arrest was carried out through a coordinated operation involving the NBI’s Technical Intelligence Division, National Capital Region Office, Public Corruption Division, and Counter-Intelligence Division. OIC-Director Angelito DLP Magno said that further investigation will determine the liability of individuals who may have assisted or harbored Abagon while in hiding.

Magno emphasized that Abagon will remain in a secure NBI detention facility pending further court orders and will receive no special treatment.

“To all others still at large: the clock isn’t ticking—it’s ringing. Surrender now before the law knocks next,” Magno said, urging fugitives to comply voluntarily to avoid enforced arrest. He also appealed to the public not to assist or harbor individuals attempting to evade the law.

The arrest aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s anti-corruption drive and the guidance of Justice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida. It follows the Sandiganbayan’s issuance of arrest warrants and the coordinated actions of the Office of the Ombudsman, the Inter-Agency Committee on Infrastructure, and the Department of Justice in pursuing cases linked to anomalies in flood control projects.

Magno confirmed that the NBI continues to monitor Hold Departure Orders and passport cancellations for certain accused individuals and remains committed to pursuing all cases to ensure accountability.

“The Bureau will not stop until every person who betrays the public trust is made accountable before the law,” Magno said.