The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Friday there is no security threat monitored against project contractor Cezarah Rowena ‘Sarah’ Discaya, who has recently surrendered over her construction company’s role in the multibillion-peso flood control scam.
According to DILG Undersecretary for Public Affairs and Communications Donnie Puno, proper legal procedures are being carried out to ensure that Discaya—as well as other individuals facing possible arrests anytime soon—remain safe under government custody.
Puno said DILG Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla is working closely with Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida and other concerned law enforcement organizations when it comes to serving the arrest orders.
“There’s no worry about any security risks,” Puno told reporters in an interview. “They (Secretaries Remulla and Vida) have made [it] clear that the legal procedures will be followed. We’re very confident about the security of the jail facilities,” he added.
Remulla earlier welcomed Discaya’s decision to turn herself in to the Pasig City police even before the official warrant for her arrest is released. Her niece Roma Angeline Rimando also did the same. Both are executives of St. Timothy Construction Corporation, which is accused of fraud.
“We are working very closely… The NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) and PNP (Philippine National Police) are coordinated with what we’re doing. We don’t believe there is a risk. It is good that she surrendered rather than tracking her down,” the DILG chief said.
Remulla said submitting oneself to authorities reflects accountability and helps ensure a smoother legal process. He encouraged others with pending cases to cooperate, noting that surrender is always better than evasion and reflects respect for the law.
“Yes, that (surrender) is a significant move. And it showed good faith on her part; I’m sure the court will take that into consideration. But of course, the law will prevail here,” he said.
