President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed on Tuesday that fugitive former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co is currently in Portugal, as the Philippine government coordinates with authorities there to secure his return to face criminal charges.
“We have to ask for the assistance of the country where he is, which is presently Portugal. So that’s what we have done,” Marcos told reporters at the conclusion of his working visit.
The administration has also engaged the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to support efforts in locating and detaining Co.
“Naglagay na tayo ng red notice sa Interpol at patuloy ang ating ugnayan sa Portuguese authorities na pauwiin na siya. That’s the process,” Marcos added.
Co, a former chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, was declared a fugitive by the Sandiganbayan following his indictment over an allegedly anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
In February, the National Bureau of Investigation submitted additional documentation to Interpol to strengthen the request for a red notice—an international alert that prompts law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a wanted individual while extradition proceedings are arranged.
The case has drawn political attention, as Co resigned from Congress in late 2025 and later posted videos on social media alleging that President Marcos received kickbacks from the disputed project.
Authorities continue to pursue legal action while coordinating internationally to ensure Co’s return to the Philippines.