MANILA, Philippines — Dennis Abagon, an engineer at the DPWH Mimaropa office, was arrested yesterday by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in connection with a P289.5-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

Abagon, one of 18 individuals facing arrest warrants, was nabbed at his Quezon City home after authorities initially attempted to serve his warrant at his listed address in Cavite over the weekend.

The Sandiganbayan issued the arrest warrants last Friday against Abagon, resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co, other DPWH Mimaropa officials, and board members of contracting firm Sunwest Corp., citing graft and malversation of public funds.

Abagon holds multiple positions at the regional office, including officer-in-charge of the Quality Assurance and Hydrology Division, the Planning and Design Division, and as a regular member of the bids and awards committee. Despite the charges, the engineer maintains his innocence.

The NBI reported that two other individuals inside the residence with Abagon will face obstruction of justice charges. Operatives used a battering ram to enter the property, which had its windows covered with calendar pages and is allegedly owned by a politician. Burner phones with new SIM cards were also confiscated.

Abagon, a 33-year DPWH veteran, underwent a medical check-up before being booked and turned over to the Sandiganbayan. He told authorities he has had no contact with other high-ranking officials involved and expressed willingness to sign a waiver for bank account access.

“He’s OK. He’s just diabetic, so I brought him some food,” said Abagon’s lawyer, Raymond Tansip, about his client, who is now in the custody of the NBI Technical Intelligence Division in Pasay.

The case stems from allegations that Abagon and other officials certified works for the road dike project that allegedly did not meet proper plans and specifications, according to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure referral.