MANILA, Philippines — Authorities have successfully apprehended six of the seven individuals wanted in connection with a massive P92.8-million “ghost project” scandal in Bulacan, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed on Tuesday morning.
The arrests follow a malversation case filed before the Sandiganbayan, centering on a flood control project that investigators allege existed only on paper. The crackdown involved a coordinated effort between the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
High-Profile Arrests According to Secretary Remulla, the NBI took into custody several key officials from the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office (DEO), including:
- Brice Ericson Diaz Hernandez
- Jaypee de Leon Mendoza
- Arjay Salvador Domasig
- Juanito Coronel Mendoza
Additionally, the CIDG arrested Christina Mae del Rosario Pineda, another official from the same engineering office.
Revilla Surrenders The most prominent figure in the case, former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., surrendered to the Philippine National Police late Monday night. He was subsequently placed in CIDG custody and underwent standard booking procedures.
In a social media video posted shortly before his surrender, Revilla maintained his innocence, claiming he was being denied due process. “I did nothing wrong,” he stated, echoing the defense he has used in previous legal battles.
One Still at Large While most of the primary suspects are now behind bars, the hunt continues for the final accused. Remulla identified Emelita Capistrano Juat, also a Bulacan 1st DEO official, as the sole suspect still at large.
The case has sent shockwaves through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the broader political landscape, as the “ghost project” in question is just one of several currently being scrutinized by state auditors and lawmakers. As the six in custody prepare for their day in court, the public remains focused on whether this crackdown will lead to deeper accountability within the country’s infrastructure sector.