Government contractor Sarah Discaya surrendered at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) office this Tuesday, December 9, after learning a criminal complaint had been filed against her in Digos City.

This follows President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s announcement that the warrant would be issued this week and that many involved in the flood control scam would spend Christmas in jail.

According to a source, while the arrest warrant was still pending, Discaya sought help from the NBI to undergo voluntary custody. Discaya clarified that her voluntary surrender does not mean she admits to the accusations, as she intends to face the case in court.

Meanwhile, Ma. Roma Angeline Rimando — an executive officer of the Discaya-owned St. Timothy Construction — surrendered at the Pasig City Police Station.

Sarah Discaya and nine others are facing charges of malversation of public funds and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act in connection with the P96.5 million “ghost” flood control project in Barangay Culaman, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.

In his video message to the nation, President Marcos stated that the arrest warrant against Sarah Discaya would be issued due to her involvement in the “ghost” project.

“We expect the arrest warrant for Sarah Discaya to be issued this week, and her arrest will follow shortly,” the President said.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is the primary investigative agency of the Philippine government, established in 1936 upon the recommendation of then-Secretary of Justice Jose Yulo. Modeled after the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), its mandate is to handle major criminal cases, conduct forensic analysis, and provide technical support to other law enforcement bodies in the country.

Digos City

Digos City is the capital of Davao del Sur province in the Philippines, serving as a major economic and administrative hub in the southern Davao Region. Historically, it began as a small settlement by the indigenous Bagobo people before becoming a municipality under American colonial rule in 1949 and eventually a city in 2000. Its name is believed to have originated from the Visayan word “digos,” meaning “to wash,” referring to its location along the banks of the Digos River.

Pasig City Police Station

The Pasig City Police Station is the primary law enforcement headquarters serving Pasig City, Metro Manila. Its history is tied to the city’s own development, evolving from a smaller municipal police force established during the American colonial period in the early 20th century into its modern form to meet the needs of a growing urban center. Today, it operates under the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure public safety and order within the city.

Barangay Culaman

Barangay Culaman is a coastal village located in the municipality of Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental, Philippines. Historically, its name is derived from the local word for a type of mangrove tree, reflecting its rich natural environment. The area is primarily known for its fishing industry and as a gateway to natural attractions like the scenic Tuka Marine Park.

Jose Abad Santos

Jose Abad Santos is a municipality in the province of Davao Occidental, Philippines, named in honor of José Abad Santos, the country’s fifth Chief Justice. He is a national hero remembered for his integrity and sacrifice, having been executed by Japanese forces during World War II for refusing to collaborate. The town itself, established later, serves as a living namesake memorializing his legacy of patriotism and judicial service.

Davao Occidental

Davao Occidental is a province in the Philippines, officially established in 2013 when it was carved out from the larger Davao del Sur province to improve local governance and service delivery. Its history is deeply tied to the indigenous Bagobo-Tagabawa and B’laan peoples, and it is known for its pristine natural attractions, including long coastlines along the Celebes Sea and the Sarangani Bay.