Former congressman Mike Defensor and co-accused Joseph Espiritu were arrested by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on Sunday in connection with the ₱75-million plunder case filed before the Sandiganbayan.

The arrests were confirmed by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla during a press briefing at Camp Crame. According to Remulla, the two were located at a Starbucks coffee shop in Quezon City and were immediately taken into police custody.

“Mike Defensor at isang nagngangalang Joseph Espiritu, sila ay nag-uusap sa isang Starbucks sa Quezon City kung saan sila natagpuan ng CIDG at PNP, at dinadala na ngayon sa Sandiganbayan,” Remulla said.

Remulla added that the two will first undergo medical examination and processing before being transferred to the Payatas City Jail, where they will remain under detention while facing trial.

“Dadalhin po 'yung dalawa dito mamaya para sa kanilang medical clearance at kanilang processing at pagkatapos po ay dadalhin sila sa Payatas City Jail para sa kanilang detention,” he said.

The arrests came after the Sandiganbayan issued warrants of arrest against Defensor, Senator Rodante Marcoleta, Joseph Espiritu, and Aristotle Viray over the plunder case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman. The case involves the alleged misuse of approximately ₱75 million in confidential funds.

Marcoleta had earlier voluntarily surrendered to authorities shortly after the arrest warrant was issued. With the arrests of Defensor and Espiritu, Aristotle Viray is now the only remaining accused still being sought by law enforcement authorities.

Following his arrest, Defensor maintained his innocence and declared that legal action against him would not silence him.

Authorities have yet to announce when Viray may be apprehended as the CIDG continues its operations to enforce the Sandiganbayan's arrest orders.