Government authorities arrested a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, in connection with the alleged P289 million anomalous flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, bringing the number of suspects in custody to nine.
Montrexis Tamayo, former officer-in-charge of the Planning and Design Division of DPWH-Mimaropa, was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 shortly after landing from Jordan on an Emirates Airline flight, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) director Police Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico said.
“Upon arrival of the flight, arresting personnel approached the subject for verification,” a police report indicated, noting that Tamayo was informed of the nature of the arrest warrants and taken into custody without incident.
Tamayo had been outside the country when arrest warrants were issued against at least 16 individuals, including former Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Zaldy Co and several DPWH and Sunwest construction firm officials, on charges of graft and malversation.
The CIDG, backed by airport police, coordinated the arrest after confirming reports that Tamayo was arriving in Manila.
Tamayo was transferred to Camp Crame today, Nov. 26, 2025, in Quezon City for documentation procedures, including fingerprinting and mugshots, before being presented to the Sandiganbayan, the anti-graft court that issued the arrest warrant. The court will determine his detention arrangements.
According to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), female suspects in the case are to be held at Camp Karingal in Quezon City, while male detainees will be housed at a facility in Payatas, Quezon City.
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