PNP intensifies hunt for remaining flood scam fugitives

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June 10, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippine National Police yesterday mobilized tracker teams to hunt down two remaining suspects in a P53.9-million anomalous flood control project in Bulacan, following the arrest of contractor Curlee Discaya and eight others.

Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., PNP chief, ordered police regional offices and intelligence units to step up manhunt operations for former Department of Public Works and Highways employees Ernesto Galang and Lorenzo Pagtalunan, who remain at large.

“The arrest of their cohorts is proof of our relentless pursuit, and it is only a matter of time before these last two fugitives face the law,” Nartatez said in a statement.

So far, authorities have taken nine individuals implicated in the case into custody, including husband-and-wife contractors Curlee Discaya II and Sarah Discaya, and co-accused Ma. Roma Angeline Rimando, Merg Jaron Laus, Brice Erickson Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, Norberto Santos, Juanito Mendoza and Floralyn Simbulan.

“We are highly confident that the remaining fugitives will be brought to justice very soon as our tracker teams are working seamlessly with local government units and communities,” Nartatez added.

Several public officials welcomed the arrest of the Discayas and their co-accused, describing it as a significant step in the fight against corruption.

In a social media post on Monday, Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto said the arrests, particularly that of Curlee Discaya, reflect progress in efforts to expose and address alleged corruption in government projects. – Mark Ernest Villeza