DOJ to seek Interpol help to locate Zaldy Co

Metro Manila, Philippines - The government will tap the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to help locate Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, a prominent figure in the flood control mess, the Justice Department said.

Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano confirmed Friday, Sept. 25, that Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has instructed the agency to apply for a blue notice from the Interpol for Co.

An Interpol blue notice is issued to gather information about a person’s identity, location, or activities in relation to a criminal investigation. On the other hand, a red notice would establish the location and arrest of persons wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence.

“This is based on the investigation of the Blue Ribbon Committee as well as the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) recommendation to prosecute,” Clavano said on the application for a blue notice.

Co is part of the NBI’s list of personalities recommended for prosecution and further case build-up in the flood control corruption scandal. 

There are unverified reports that Co had gone to Spain. He has been in the United States for medical treatment

House Speaker Bojie Dy has revoked Co’s travel clearance and ordered him to return to the country by Sept. 29 to face accusations of budget insertions and project kickbacks.

In a letter to Dy, Co said he has every intention of returning to the Philippines and addressing what he called false claims in a proper forum.

“Yet, I am very much apprehensive about what awaits me should I return to the Philippines given that the public and your good office have prejudged me,” the former House appropriations chairperson told the House speaker.