Manila: The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has moved to tighten oversight on 17 individuals amid a probe into irregularities in flood control projects. On Wednesday, the ICI urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue Immigration Lookout Bulletin Orders (ILBO) as part of its ongoing investigation.

According to Philippines News Agency, ICI Chairperson Andres Reyes Jr. announced that the ILBOs are pertinent to the criminal cases filed by the Office of the Ombudsman at the Sandiganbayan. These cases implicate former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy Co, several officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Mimaropa, and key figures from the construction company Sunwest Corp.

The individuals named in the ILBO request include DPWH 4-B (Mimaropa) Director Gerald Pacanan, Assistant Regional Directors Gene Altea and Ruben Santos Jr., Construction Division Chief Dominic Serrano, and other DPWH officials. Additionally, Sunwest Corporation’s president, Aderma Angelie Alcazar, along with board members Cesar Buenaventura, Consuelo Aldon, Noel Cao, and Antonio Ngo, are also included.

An ILBO mandates immigration officers to closely monitor the travel activities of these individuals. Chairperson Reyes emphasized the need for these orders, citing the gravity of the charges and the potential risk of these individuals leaving the country during the ongoing legal proceedings.

Reyes stated, ‘The prompt issuance of an ILBO is, therefore, necessary to prevent potential obstruction, ensure continuity of the legal process, and uphold the orderly conduct of related investigations.’ This step is seen as crucial to maintaining the integrity of the legal process and ensuring that all individuals remain available for the investigation.