PNP deploys tracker teams for Sarah Discaya

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has mobilized intelligence and tracker teams to locate contractor Sarah Discaya and several others who are believed to have gone into hiding after being linked to ghost flood control project in Davao Occidental.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units were on alert in preparation for the expected issuance by a local court of arrest warrants for Discaya and the others.

The Office of the Ombudsman earlier recommended the filing of charges of malversation through falsification and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against Discaya and the others.

“We have mobilized sufficient number of our personnel that will locate all those in the charge sheet. We are collating essential information on possible areas where they may seek refuge to ensure a smooth and fast serving of the arrest warrant,” Nartatez said without giving details.

He said police operations were designed to pressure the suspects to surrender.

“All of our preparations are intended to make them feel that the only option left to them is to surrender,” he added.

The PNP said it has tightened coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Immigration, the Philippine Coast Guard, as well as with airport authorities and local government units, and barangays and neighborhood watch groups.