Seven individuals linked to the controversial flood control mess are now under the custody of the authorities, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced on Monday.

In a video message posted in his Facebook account, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said six of them surrendered before the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) while the other one was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

"In the three warrants of arrest and 16 names, seven are now under the custody of our authorities, two others have expressed their intention to surrender and seven more are remains at large including (former Congressman) Zaldy Co," he said.

Co and three others are out of the country.

The arrest warrants were issued by the Sandiganbayan, the anti-graft court, on Friday,

Marcos warns that those who will coddle the accused will also be held liable under the law, noting that the one who was arrested by the NBI was found at other people's residence.

"Those who plan to help these accused individuals, the biggest help you could give them is to urge them to surrender so they can answer the allegations against them," he added.

The president reiterated that there will be no special treatment and all of the arrested individuals will be placed under the custody of the NBI while waiting for the court order.

He also advises the seven other accused to surrender noting that the government will not stop until they are arrested. Robina Asido/DMS