Ombudsman Jesus Crispin 'Boying' Remulla has requested the Bureau of Immigration to impose a foreign travel restriction on 77 officials and private individuals under a fact-finding investigation into alleged anomalous flood control projects. He announced this during a press conference on November 26. The request is separate from prior Precautionary Hold Departure Orders issued by the Sandiganbayan.
During a press conference on Wednesday, November 26, Remulla explained that the travel restrictions target officials and contractors involved in the investigation. “Basta under investigation ka, you're part of government. You should not be traveling and leaving this jurisdiction,” he said. (As long as you are under investigation, you are part of the government. You should not be traveling and leaving this jurisdiction.) He added that joining government means surrendering the unrestricted right to travel, as a travel authority is required even for personal or official trips.
This request differs from the Precautionary Hold Departure Orders issued by the Sandiganbayan, which focus on officials linked to the alleged anomalous flood control projects, including those in custody and those still at large. On November 21, the Sandiganbayan issued an arrest warrant for Zaldy Co and 15 co-accused, facing charges of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019) and malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents. These relate to a flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
On Monday, November 24, authorities announced that eight of the 16 accused are now in custody. “It's understood. That's why we're telling these people who are under investigation not to leave the country,” Remulla added.