The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a major manhunt for a contractor and several others accused of involvement in an alleged multi-million peso 'ghost' flood control project in Davao Occidental.
Nationwide Manhunt Ordered by President
Acting PNP chief, Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., confirmed on Sunday, December 7, 2025, that the police force has mobilized a significant number of intelligence and tracker personnel. Their mission is to locate all individuals named in a charge sheet related to the fraudulent public works scheme.
This operation follows a direct and urgent command from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.. In a video message on Friday, December 5, the President instructed the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the PNP to find the primary suspect, contractor Cezarah Rowena 'Sarah' Discaya, and other personalities facing cases.
"The President has given clear and urgent instructions, and we are treating this as a priority case," Nartatez stated, emphasizing the high-level attention the case is receiving.
Expanded Dragnet and Inter-Agency Coordination
To ensure a swift arrest, the PNP is currently gathering all essential information on the possible locations where the suspects might be hiding. The police have significantly expanded their operational approach by strengthening coordination with multiple agencies.
The list of coordinated bodies includes:
- The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
- The Bureau of Immigration (BI)
- The Philippine Coast Guard
- Airport authorities nationwide
- Local government units (LGUs), especially in areas where Discaya was last seen or likely traveled
Furthermore, village and neighborhood watch groups have been alerted to assist in monitoring activities and reporting any relevant information about the suspects' movements.
Suspects and Public Appeal
Other respondents in the case include Ma. Roma Angeline Remando and several representatives from the St. Timothy Construction Corp.. The charge sheet also names some personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Lieutenant General Nartatez made a public appeal, urging anyone with direct knowledge or related information about the suspects to come forward and cooperate with the authorities to facilitate their immediate arrest.
The case centers on the alleged ghost flood control project in the Municipality of Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, where public funds were purportedly released for non-existent infrastructure work.
