The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday said the Philippine National Police (PNP) is prepared to arrest individuals allegedly involved in a P100-million “ghost flood-control project” in Culaman, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.

The project, which reportedly never materialized, has prompted charges of malversation through falsification and violations of Republic Act 3019 Section 3(e). 

The DILG assured the public that the whereabouts of the accused are being closely monitored, and once the court issues warrants of arrest, they will be immediately apprehended and brought to justice.

“Gaya ng paalala ng Pangulo, walang makakalusot sa batas. Mananagot ang mga sangkot at matitiyak ng bayan na may hustisyang haharap sa mga gumawa ng korupsyon at katiwalian (Following the President’s reminder, no one is above the law. Those involved will be held accountable, ensuring that justice is served against acts of corruption and malfeasance),” the DILG said in its press release.

On Friday, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced that he has directed the DILG  and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to locate contractor Sarah Discaya and others allegedly involved in a “ghost flood-control project” in Barangay Culaman, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.

Discaya and nine others face charges of malversation of public funds and violations of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019) over irregularities in the project, which reportedly never commenced despite being marked as completed in 2022.

“I have directed the DILG and PNP to ensure they know the whereabouts of Discaya and the others so they can be immediately arrested once the warrants are issued,” Marcos said in a video message.

Citing findings from the Ombudsman and the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the President noted that indigenous peoples and barangay officials confirmed in a joint affidavit that the project was never implemented.

Following the President’s directive, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said criminal charges have been filed against Discaya, Ma. Roma Angeline Rimando of St. Timothy Construction Corporation, and several officials of the DPWH Davao Occidental District Engineering Office, including District Engineer Rodrigo Larete, Assistant District Engineer Michael Awa, section chiefs, project engineers, and inspectors.

As in the earlier case involving resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, the Ombudsman has recommended no bail for those charged in the malversation case.