The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has requested the issuance of a freeze order for the bank accounts of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and contractors involved in the anomalous flood control projects.

This comes after DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon requested the AMLC’s assistance in releasing a freeze order against 26 officials and contractors. However, RH Boy Gonzales reported that over 100 bank accounts and insurance policies will be affected by the request.

Among the individuals cited in the document are: former Bulacan 1st District Engineer Henry Alcantara, former Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez, former Construction Division Chief Jaypee Mendoza, and contractors Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and Sarah Discaya.

In the letter addressed to AMLC Executive Director Atty. Matthew David, Dizon asserted that there is enough basis to freeze the bank accounts and assets of the said individuals.

This also aligns with Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to hold accountable those involved in the anomalous flood control projects.

“The purpose of this measure is to temporarily preserve these monetary instruments or properties, thereby preventing their owners from utilizing them while the State prepares to build its case, potentially file civil forfeiture proceedings, and/or prosecute the individuals and entities involved,” the document read.

“This preemptive action is crucial to prevent the disposal of assets and to ensure that government efforts to combat corruption and money laundering are not thwarted,” it added.In a press conference on Tuesday, Dizon thanked the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the AMLC for the swift action on the DPWH’s request for assistance on the freeze order for the bank accounts and assets of the individuals involved.

“Nainform na po ang mga bangko ng mga taong ito na i-freeze na ang kanilang mga bank account…hindi pa tapos ang laban. Initial steps pa lang ito pero napaka laking bagay na po nito dahil makakampante po ang ating mga kababayan na sisimulan na po natin ang proseso na maibalik ang kanilang pera na ninakaw ng mga taong ito,” Dizon said.