Authorities on Sunday arrested DPWH Region IV-B engineer Dennis Abagon in Quezon City over his alleged role in a ₱289-million “ghost” flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
Abagon was taken into custody on a Sandiganbayan warrant for malversation of public funds tied to the questioned road dike project in Naujan.
Agents had monitored him for two days before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) forced entry into a Quezon City residence using a battering ram after confirming he was hiding inside. Two others were also arrested for allegedly obstructing justice.
NBI officer-in-charge Lito Magno said Abagon is now undergoing standard booking procedures. Investigators seized mobile phones, a SIM card believed to be a burner device, and some of his personal belongings.
His lawyer, Raymond Tansip, said Abagon is scheduled for a medical examination due to health conditions, noting that he is diabetic and over 50. Abagon denied any wrongdoing, insisting he did not receive any kickback from the project.
The arrest follows the Sandiganbayan’s recent raffle of multiple cases implicating former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, several DPWH IV-B officials, and Sunwest Corporation executives.
Prosecutors have asked the anti-graft court to issue arrest warrants and hold-departure orders, accusing Sunwest Construction and Development Corp. of building a substandard structure that investigators say never existed.