Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. urged others facing criminal charges in connection with the alleged ghost flood control projects in Davao Occidental to surrender, following the decision of government contractor Sarah Discaya to turn herself in.
In a statement, Nartatez welcomed Discaya’s choice, emphasizing that it serves as a reminder that evading the law only prolongs the inevitable.
“The Philippine National Police welcomes her decision, and it is actually a good decision that people in her situation should emulate. Walang mapapala sa pagtatago because no matter how long you are able to hide, the fact remains that you are still wanted and could be arrested anytime,” he said.
(The Philippine National Police welcomes her decision, and it is actually a good decision that people in her situation should emulate. There is no gain in hiding because no matter how long you are able to hide, the fact remains that you are still wanted and could be arrested anytime.)
The PNP chief pointed out that it takes courage for a person to come forward as Discaya, knowing the seriousness of the accusations being levelled against her.
He added that the PNP sees no issue with Discaya surrendering to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Nartatez emphasized that the PNP will collaborate with the NBI and other law enforcement agencies to address the cases against other accused individuals and fugitives related to the flood control projects and other high-profile cases.
On Tuesday, December 9, Discaya voluntarily surrendered to the NBI even before a warrant could be issued for her arrest.
Her decision to surrender came after President Marcos announced that a warrant was expected to be issued within the week.
On Sunday, December 7, the NBI confirmed that eight officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways regional office in Davao Occidental also voluntarily surrendered to its South Eastern Mindanao Regional Office, submitting themselves to NBI custody and committing to undergo the legal process.
