MANILA — The international pursuit of former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co has intensified, with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) formally requesting Interpol to issue a red notice that would allow foreign law enforcement agencies to track and provisionally arrest him anywhere in the world.
The move signals the government’s shift from a domestic manhunt to a full-scale global operation after the Sandiganbayan already declared Co a “fugitive from justice” and ordered the cancellation of his passport over multimillion-peso corruption charges tied to a P289-million substandard road dike project in Oriental Mindoro.
A red notice serves as Interpol’s highest international alert, circulated among 196 member countries to locate wanted individuals for extradition or similar legal action.
NBI officials confirmed they have developed leads on Co’s possible whereabouts but withheld specifics, citing operational security. Parallel efforts are now underway through diplomatic channels.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has begun coordinating with Portugal following reports that Co may be carrying a Portuguese passport — a factor that could complicate extradition proceedings.
“Ang alinlangan lang namin dyan ay kung totoo yung balita na may Portuguese passport siya, magiging mas komplikado ang bagay,” DILG secretary Jonvic Remulla said.
Co’s case is part of a broader corruption probe involving alleged anomalies in flood-control projects. Arrest warrants have likewise been issued against several Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and Sunwest Corp. executives accused of participating in the irregular transactions.
The Ombudsman filed multiple graft and malversation charges against Co and his co-accused on November 18./PN
