Mindoro vice mayor explains link to arrested engineer

MANILA, Philippines — The vice mayor of Bansud town in Oriental Mindoro yesterday appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to explain her connection with a government engineer tagged in anomalous anti-flood projects.

Vice Mayor Alma Mirano arrived at the NBI technical intelligence division a week after the bureau summoned her to explain why public works engineer Dennis Abagon had been occupying her property in Quezon City, where he was arrested.

Abagon has been linked to alleged anomalous flood control projects in Naujan town.

Mirano was first summoned to appear before the NBI on Dec. 5, but she failed to comply because she was sick, her legal counsel said.

After giving her statement to the NBI, Mirano told journalists that she was relieved to have clarified the matter.

“There are good and bad comments on social media. I am thankful the NBI allowed me to explain,” she said.

Mirano said she was affected by criticisms surrounding Abagon’s arrest at her property.

“As a first-time vice mayor, I am not used to this kind of situation. Emotionally and mentally, it affected me. The bad comments were very difficult for me to read,” she said.

The NBI has yet to release details of Mirano’s statement as investigation into the alleged flood control anomalies is ongoing.