FOUR individuals associated with the “Maleta Boys”—a group linked to former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co—were arrested by police authorities in San Juan City on Friday, September 11, following their decision to recant earlier statements regarding a high-profile flood control corruption controversy.
The operation took place at approximately 11:30 AM at the San Juan Hall of Justice, situated along P. Guevarra Street near Pinaglabanan Road in Barangay Corazon De Jesus.
Those taken into custody were identified as Bernard Tube, Roseber Waupan, Benny Bulontate, and Cecilio Larroder Jr.
Law enforcement officers served the arrest warrants while the four men were attending a separate court proceeding at the San Juan Regional Trial Court (RTC).
The warrants were issued on September 9, 2026, by the Presiding Judge of QC RTC Branch 93 for alleged violations of Cyber Libel under Section 4(c), Chapter II of Republic Act 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
The court recommended bail set at ₱10,000 for each accused, which the four men subsequently posted before the San Juan RTC.
The “Maleta Boys,” originally a group of 18 bodyguards and former Philippine Marines, gained widespread national attention after claiming they personally delivered billions of pesos in cash-stuffed suitcases to Co and various government officials as kickbacks from anomalous flood control projects.
While at least 10 other members of the group have faced separate arrests on perjury charges, these four specific individuals recently recanted their initial testimonies, opting instead to remain silent.
Following the operation, Police Brigadier General Roman C. Arugay, District Director of the Eastern Police District (EPD), praised the operating personnel for executing the warrant efficiently.
“The Eastern Police District remains committed to ensuring that individuals facing criminal charges are brought before the courts through lawful and professional police operations. We will continue to support the justice system by serving warrants efficiently while respecting the rights of all persons involved,” PBGEN Arugay stated.
