Philippine authorities are renewing international efforts to locate and apprehend former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced Tuesday, September 8.
Remulla revealed plans to travel to Interpol headquarters in Lyon, France, to coordinate a fresh request for an international “red notice” against Co, who faces criminal charges over alleged flood control project corruption.
The move coincides with parallel diplomatic efforts by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, who is heading to Paris.
Regarding the joint effort, Remulla stated:
”So, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla announced yesterday that he is also going to Paris to talk to the authorities there. I will work with Interpol. He will work on diplomatic efforts to get Zaldy Co.”
An Interpol red notice acts as a global alert for law enforcement agencies to locate and provisionally detain an individual pending extradition or legal proceedings, though member states execute arrests according to their national laws.
The diplomatic push follows Monday’s high-profile arrest of former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez, who was taken into custody at a San Juan City private hospital.
Warrants for Romualdez, Co, and two co-accused were issued by the Sandiganbayan Third Division following charges filed by the Ombudsman.
Co’s movements across Europe have been closely tracked by law enforcement. He reportedly traveled overland through Portugal and France before being stopped in Prague, Czech Republic, after officials discovered his Philippine passport had been revoked.
Czech authorities flagged Co as an “unwanted alien,” opening possibilities for immigration-based deportation, though he was ultimately released. Earlier efforts to secure him in Portugal stalled due to the absence of an extradition treaty between Manila and Lisbon.
Co was most recently spotted in May at a private residence near the Champs-Élysées in Paris.