President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to secure the return of fugitive former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co “at all costs,” according to statements made by Remulla on Thursday, September 10.
Co, accused of being a primary mastermind in a massive multibillion-peso flood control project scandal, has evaded authorities since fleeing the country in 2025.
Speaking after a Senate subcommittee hearing regarding the DILG’s proposed 2027 budget, Remulla indicated that law enforcement expects to capture Co within approximately two weeks.
He revealed plans to travel to France to directly track down the former lawmaker and work on obtaining an Interpol Red Notice against him.
“Zaldy Co is the agenda…we know where he is. We know the address, we know his house. It’s (time) to get him back here,” Remulla stated.
Even if the Red Notice issuance faces delays, the DILG chief expressed confidence that Co will encounter significant hurdles attempting to navigate Europe undetected.
Remulla confirmed that there has been no communication between his office and the suspect, emphasizing that their interactions will begin only upon Co’s apprehension.
“I don’t know the man. I’ve never met him…We’ve never had contact with each other,” Remulla said.
“We’ll only get in touch with him when we arrest him,” he added.