PNP Ready to Arrest Those Involved in Davao Occidental Ghost Project

Acting police chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Friday affirmed that the police force is prepared to arrest individuals implicated in the ghost project in Davao Occidental, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the same day.

"We take these reports with utmost seriousness and remain fully committed to ensuring that justice is pursued, public funds are safeguarded, and all accountable individuals are brought before the law," Nartatez said in a statement.

The President revealed that the P96.5 million flood control project in Jose Abad Santos town was awarded to St. Timothy Construction Corporation on January 13, 2022, with an expected completion within that year.

However, an inspection conducted by the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in September found that no actual work was started on the project despite claims supported by photos, videos, and documents indicating completion.

Among those identified to be charged are executives of St. Timothy Construction Corporation, Cezarah Rowena Discaya and Maria Roma Angeline Remando.

President Marcos Jr. instructed the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the PNP to monitor the whereabouts of these individuals to ensure immediate arrest once warrants are issued.

"Consistent with our mandate to uphold law and order, and following the Ombudsman’s filing of criminal information against those implicated, the PNP stands ready to serve the warrants of arrest once issued by the Court," Nartatez stressed.

He emphasized that all actions will respect due process, human rights, and the presumption of innocence.

Nartatez expressed full support of the PNP for the ongoing investigations into the flood control project irregularities:

"The PNP stands ready to assist in evidence-gathering and other processes necessary to advance the truth and preserve public confidence in the justice system."

He also encouraged individuals with direct knowledge or relevant information to cooperate with authorities, emphasizing transparency and community involvement as key to accountability.

The police chief reiterated the department’s commitment to the rule of law, professional service, and fighting corruption:

"We will continue to serve and protect the Filipino people with fairness, integrity, and dedication."

Meanwhile, the DILG said they are closely monitoring those involved and assured that once the court issues arrest warrants, the suspects will be apprehended promptly.

"As the President reminded, no one can escape the law," the DILG stated, assuring the public of the government's resolve to hold those responsible accountable. ❤️