Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday said efforts to bring former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co back to the Philippines will now be handled by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
In a recent interview, Remulla clarified that the matter is no longer under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), stressing that Co’s possible return would depend on diplomatic initiatives and legal processes coursed through the DFA.
“Hindi na sa akin ’yan. Sa DFA na ’yan. Sila ang bahalang gumawa ng hakbang sa hanay ng diplomasya para makuha ’yan,” Remulla said, indicating that any repatriation efforts would have to pass through formal diplomatic channels.
Remulla also disclosed that the DILG has not yet sought the assistance of Interpol in locating Co. He explained that such a move would hinge on the specific charges filed and the progress of the case build-up.
“Wala pa. Hindi pa namin pinapasok ’yun. Depende ’yan sa mga charges na lalabas. So titignan natin,” he added.
Co’s whereabouts came to light after documents submitted to the Supreme Court showed he was in Stockholm as of January 15, based on an apostille attached to a petition.
Arrest warrants have been issued against Co and several others, including officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and directors of Sunwest Corporation, in connection with alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
On November 18, 2025, the Office of the Ombudsman filed corruption and malversation of public funds charges before the Sandiganbayan against Co and his co-respondents. The case involves an alleged ₱289 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
Co has denied the allegations. He has since stepped down from his post in the House of Representatives and is reportedly staying overseas. He was already out of the country when the accusations surfaced.