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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Tularan si Sarah': Discaya's decision to surrender should be emulated by other fugitives, PNP says

'Tularan si Sarah': Discaya's decision to surrender should be emulated by other fugitives, PNP says

Published Dec 10, 2025 03:26 pm
Alpha & Omega Gen. Contractor & Development Corp Cezarah Discaya (Mark Balmores)
Alpha & Omega Gen. Contractor & Development Corp Cezarah Discaya (Mark Balmores)
Fugitives from the law should emulate the decision of controversial contractor Sarah Discaya to turn herself in to face the charges leveled against her in connection with the flood control controversy, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
This is probably the first time that Discaya was praised after her name was dragged into the alleged multi-billion flood control anomalies, and acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said it is worthy to be emulated by other fugitives from the law.
“The Philippine National Police welcomes her decision and it is actually a good decision that people in her situation should emulate. No good thing comes out from hiding because no matter how long you are able to hide, the fact remains that you are still wanted and could be arrested anytime,” said Nartatez.
“There are incidents in the past that showed that the PNP does not really stop until the order of any court is satisfied. So hiding has never been a good decision,” he added.
President Marcos earlier ordered the PNP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to prepare for the possible issuance of arrest warrants against Discaya and other accused in a ghost flood control project in Davao Occidental.
On Tuesday, Dec. 9, Discaya surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation even if no arrest warrant is issued against her.
And for Nartatez, it takes courage for a person to come up with the same decision, knowing that the cases could be non-bailable ones.
On the part of the PNP, Nartatez said they see no problem with Discaya choosing the NBI, “The NBI is a law enforcement agency and we have the same objective in all matters pertaining to the flood control projects.”
He said the PNP will work with the NBI and other law enforcement agencies against other accused in the case and other fugitives in relation to the flood control and other high -profile cases.
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