The DILG and the Philippine National Police said they are ready to act the moment courts release arrest warrants for St. Timothy Construction executive Sarah Discaya, company president Ma. Roma Angeline Romando, and several Department of Public Works and Highways officials linked to an allegedly nonexistent ₱96.5-million flood control project in Davao Occidental.
The project in Barangay Culaman in Jose Abad Santos was inspected and found to have no visible construction despite receiving full funding. The Office of the Ombudsman has recommended filing graft, malversation, and falsification charges under Republic Act 3019 Section 3(e).
“The Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police are ready to arrest the individuals responsible for the ghost flood control project in Culaman, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental,” the DILG said.
The agency said it is tracking the movements of the accused and has activated coordination protocols to ensure fast enforcement once warrants are released. “If the court issues a warrant of arrest, we will immediately take them into custody and make them face justice.”
The PNP affirmed the directive, saying it is responding with “utmost seriousness.” Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said “All actions will be carried out with full adherence to due process, respect for human rights, and the presumption of innocence.”
Authorities urged residents with direct knowledge of the project or related transactions to cooperate. “Transparency and community involvement are vital to ensuring accountability and protecting public resources,” the PNP said.
The investigation widened after on-site inspections confirmed the absence of any completed structures, prompting a deeper review of DPWH records, contractor submissions, and inspection documents. The court has not released any arrest warrants as of this report. The case moves forward once these are issued.
