Intelligence units have begun tracking St. Timothy Construction executive Sarah Discaya and several others linked to a supposed ghost flood control project in Davao Occidental, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through directives issued on Friday, ordered the PNP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to prepare for the implementation of arrest warrants against Discaya, St. Timothy President Ma. Roma Angeline Romando, and seven officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways.
PNP Acting Chief PLtGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said authorities have started gathering information on possible safe houses and escape routes. “We have mobilized a sufficient number of personnel to locate everyone named in the charge sheet. We are currently gathering essential information on areas where they may seek refuge to ensure a smooth and swift serving of the arrest warrants,” he said.
Nartatez also made an appeal for cooperation while noting that law enforcement agencies have been coordinating to prevent the suspects from eluding authorities. “All our preparations are intended to make them realize that surrender is their only option,” he added.
Multiple government bodies—the National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Immigration, Philippine Coast Guard, airport security, local officials, and community watch groups—have been tapped in the manhunt. The public was encouraged to assist investigators if they have useful details. “Transparency and community involvement are vital to ensuring accountability and protecting public resources,” Nartatez said.
Shortly after the president’s instruction, the Office of the Ombudsman announced criminal charges for malversation and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against Discaya, Romando, and the following DPWH personnel: District Engineer Rodrigo Larete, OIC Assistant District Engineer Michael Awa, OIC Construction Section Chief Joel Lumogdang, Project Engineer Harold John Villaver, Quality Assurance Section Chief Jafel Faunillan, Planning and Design Section Chief Josephine Valdez, Maintenance Section Chief Ranulfo Flores, and Acting Finance Section Chief Czar Ryan Ubungen.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano confirmed that investigators found “probable cause to file criminal charges in connection with an alleged P96.5 million ghost infrastructure project in Davao, Occidental.”
Records show the contract involved a concrete revetment or retaining wall in Jose Abad Santos, awarded to St. Timothy Construction Corp. on January 22, 2022. Government inspectors later reported that despite documents showing completion as of October 2 that same year, no structure was visible at the alleged project site.
