Malacañang confirmed on Friday that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will ask the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to issue a “blue notice” against Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who left the country while facing allegations over anomalous flood control projects.
“Latest from DOJ [is that] they will request for blue notice,” Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro told reporters in a text message.
Co is under investigation for allegedly receiving kickbacks from multibillion-peso flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). He previously chaired the House Committee on Appropriations, which oversees the national budget.
According to Castro, Co’s movements are being monitored after the DOJ issued an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order.
“Namo-monitor po kung saan siya pumupunta,” she said in a Palace briefing, adding, “Maaari din pong maghiling ang DOJ ng blue notice dahil nagsisimula na silang mag-imbestiga.”
Co initially traveled to the United States last month for medical treatment. Records, however, showed that he entered Singapore on September 16 and departed for Madrid, Spain on September 24.
On September 18, House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III revoked Co’s travel clearance and ordered him to return to the country within 10 days.