Sarah Discaya’s surrender to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was voluntary and her “personal choice,” her spokesperson confirmed during an interview with DZRH’s Damdaming Bayan on Wednesday, December 10.

“Umpisa pa lamang ng series of meeting naming mga abogado, napag-usapan na namin na kung sakaling may sumampang kaso at merong impending issuance of warrant of arrest, iyan talaga ang gagawin ni Ms. Sarah, wala namang sapilitan at bukal sa kalooban niya ang pagsuko niya,” said Atty. Cornelio Samaniego III.

On whether Discaya could leave the NBI if no arrest warrant is issued, Samaniego said, “Kung walang ilalabas na warrant of arrest ang korte, malaya siyang makakauwi.”

He also clarified that only the court can determine the amount and schedule of repayment for any restitution or civil liability.

“Korte lamang ang pwede magsabi kung magkano at kung kailan sya [Sara Discaya] magsosoli ng pera o yung tinatawag na restitution o yung civil liability,” Samaniego explained.

Prior to Sarah Discaya’s voluntary surrender, Roma Rimando of the Discaya-owned St. Timothy Construction Corp. also surrendered on Monday evening to the Pasig Police Station due to security concerns.

“Sinabi niya sa akin na ilang araw nang minamanmanan ang bahay niya. Sabi niya, samahan ko siya sa Pasig Police Station at siya ay boluntaryong susuko na. Binibigay niya rin ang passport para ipakita na hindi siya aalis ng bansa,” Samaniego said.

Samaniego further confirmed that the assets of the Discaya family, including bank accounts and other properties, have been frozen.