Ang Pahayagan

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) has arrested the last remaining accused in the high-profile graft case involving alleged “ghost” flood control projects in Bulacan, marking a significant development in the long-running corruption case.

Authorities served a warrant of arrest against Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer Emelita Capistrano Juat, 64, at around 11:00 p.m. on January 20, 2026, in Barangay Panghulo, Obando, Bulacan.

In a statement released Wednesday, Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Juanito Victor C. Remulla said Juat’s arrest means that all individuals charged in connection with the alleged anomalous flood control projects are now under the custody of authorities.

PRO3 confirmed that the arrest was carried out through a coordinated tracker operation led by the Bulacan 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, in coordination with the Bulacan Provincial Intelligence Unit, the Regional Intelligence Division of PRO3, and the Obando and Pandi Municipal Police Stations.

The warrant of arrest was issued by the Sandiganbayan for Malversation of Public Funds through Falsification of Public Documents, with no bail recommended, underscoring the gravity of the charges.

Police said the accused’s surrender was peacefully facilitated with the assistance of her private legal counsel. Police Brigadier General Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr., Regional Director of PRO3, emphasized the police force’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability among public officials.

“The service of this warrant underscores our firm resolve to enforce court orders and ensure that those facing charges are brought before the proper authorities,” Peñones said.

The successful operation highlights PRO3’s continued support for the justice system and its commitment to transparency and accountability, consistent with the PNP Focused Agenda and PRO3’s guiding principles of Protecting the People, Pursuing Peace and Order, and Promoting Professionalism. (Jason de Asis)