Malacañang on Tuesday said it is open to the possibility of offering a cash reward for the capture of former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, who is currently the subject of an international manhunt over an allegedly anomalous flood control project.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters that while no formal discussions have been made, a bounty could be considered if it helps expedite Co’s arrest.
“Wala pang napag-uusapan. Pero since narinig namin ang suhestyon, puwedeng ikonsidera,” she said.
Castro added that President Bongbong Marcos has ordered law enforcement agencies and foreign posts to track Co’s movements and ensure his swift return.
She declined to confirm reports that Co is in Portugal, noting that intelligence teams are still verifying the information.
A warrant of arrest has been issued against Co and several others over the ₱289-million Mag-Asawang Tubig River road dike project in Oriental Mindoro, which allegedly used substandard sheet piles.
The contract was awarded to Sunwest Construction and Development Corporation, a firm Co previously founded.