MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its nationwide manhunt for the nine remaining co-accused of contractor Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya in the alleged P96.5-million ghost flood control project in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, following the issuance of arrest warrants on December 18, 2025. While Discaya and her company president Maria Roma Rimando are in custody after surrendering and arrests, the PNP is urging the fugitives to surrender peacefully to avoid risks during apprehension.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez announced tracker teams are deployed, coordinating with the NBI, BI, Coast Guard, airports, and local units. “We give them the chance to surrender like Discaya did,” Nartatez said, warning evasion could lead to uncertain outcomes.
The non-bailable charges—malversation and graft (RA 3019)—stem from Ombudsman findings that the concrete revetment project was fully paid in 2022 but never built, despite certifications of completion.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prioritized the case, ordering swift arrests. This is part of the broader P20-billion scandal exposing “ghost” dikes nationwide.
Co-Accused Snapshot (Besides Discaya & Rimando):
| Role | Names (Reported) |
|---|---|
| DPWH Davao Occidental Officials | District Engineer Rodrigo Larete, Asst. DE Michael Awa, Section Chiefs/Engineers: Joel Lumogdang, Harold John Villaver, Jafael Faunillian, Josephine Valdez, Ranulfo Flores, Czar Ryan Ubungen (8 total) |