BI Begins Enforcing ILBOs Against 16 Persons in Flood Control Probe
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has commenced enforcement of Immigration Lookout Bulletin Orders (ILBOs) issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ) against 16 individuals allegedly linked to the controversial flood control projects scandal. The move is part of ongoing efforts by the government to ensure that those under investigation remain within reach of prosecutorial authorities.
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval confirmed that the agency received the DOJ-issued ILBO on Wednesday, October 15. She stated that the names of the 16 persons have been added to BI’s centralized database, and their travel activities will now be monitored and regularly reported to the DOJ.
The ILBOs were issued by DOJ Officer-In-Charge Fredderick A. Vida, following a formal request from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI)—a fact-finding body established by President Marcos to investigate alleged anomalies in infrastructure projects, including flood control initiatives. The ICI formally requested the DOJ to issue the orders on October 13, as reported by government agencies.
Those placed under the ILBO include former Caloocan 2nd District Representative Mitch Cajayon-Uy; Art Atayde; Alvin Tan; Bong Marasigan; Elmer de Leon; Ed Fuentebella; Johnny Santos; John Mary Vianney Parago; Alvin Mariano; Ryan Uy; Darryl Recio; Nestor Venturina; and Benjie Tocol. Also included are DPWH Metro Manila 1st District Engineer Aristotle Ramos, DPWH Quezon 3rd District Engineer Michael Rosaria, and DPWH Project Engineer Angelita Garucha.
Under the ILBO regime, these individuals’ movements will be tracked at all airports and seaports in the Philippines. While the ILBO itself does not physically bar a person from leaving the country, it mandates that immigration officers report any attempted departures to the DOJ for possible further action.
Context and Legal Implications
The enforcement of ILBOs against these 16 individuals follows earlier rounds of immigration alerts in connection with the flood control corruption probe. The ICI has also requested immigration orders against other public officials, including former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, as part of a broader sweep of personalities flagged in the Senate Blue Ribbon and related investigations.
Notably, the ICI is a newly established fact-finding body created through Executive Order No. 94 on September 11, 2025, with a mandate to investigate infrastructure anomalies since 2015. The enforcement of ILBOs underscores the government’s effort to prevent flight risks and maintain accountability during the probe.
Enforcement Strategy and BI Commitment
BI officials have indicated that individuals under ILBO will be integrated into their monitoring systems. When subjects appear at immigration screening points, officers will verify their status and notify the DOJ. Sandoval emphasized that the BI’s role is to monitor and report, aligning with the executive authority behind ILBOs.
While this stage of enforcement does not automatically prohibit departure, it enables authorities to act swiftly should any of the names attempt to leave the country. Further legal tools—such as Hold Departure Orders (HDOs)—may be sought from courts if controlling their exit becomes necessary.