MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday served an arrest warrant against controversial contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya, a key figure in the alleged flood control corruption controversy.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police personnel were deployed to the Senate to implement the warrant issued by a Regional Trial Court in Bulacan.

Discaya had been under Senate custody since late last year after being cited in contempt during a hearing on flood control projects, requiring coordination with the chamber prior to the service of the warrant.

“The arrest warrant was implemented in accordance with the law and established procedures in close coordination with the Senate to ensure an orderly, lawful, and transparent turnover process,” Nartatez said.

“There will be no special treatment. All persons subject to lawful arrest will be accorded the same standards of professionalism and due process,” he added.

The Office of the Ombudsman last week filed a case against Discaya and several others for violation of Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, which covers malversation of public funds or property, in relation to Articles 171(4) and 48, over an allegedly anomalous flood control project in Bulacan.

On Friday, Branch 20 of the Bulacan Regional Trial Court ordered the arrest of Discaya, his wife Cezarah, and nine other individuals.

Some of those included in the warrant, including Discaya’s wife and three co-accused, are already detained in separate detention facilities in connection with other cases.

Nartatez said the police expect the warrant to be served on all co-accused who are not yet in custody.

The 11 accused are facing non-bailable charges. (PNA)