MANILA: The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it was prepared to coordinate with French authorities to locate former House appropriations chairperson and resigned Ako Bicol party-list Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co.
“If Mr. Co is arrested abroad, the process will follow international protocols through Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization) and diplomatic channels,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. explained in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 9).
“The PNP is prepared to coordinate with French authorities through Interpol should former Congressman Zaldy Co be located abroad. We will provide full support to ensure that due process is observed and justice is pursued,” he maintained.
Co was again the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan last Monday for plunder in connection with over P7 billion (US$112 million) in alleged kickbacks in various government projects from 2022 to 2025.
He was previously ordered arrested by the same court last November for malversation (improper or corrupt behavior in office, especially in public office) in relation to an allegedly anomalous flood control project in Mindoro.
The issuance of the latest warrant prompted Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla to plan a visit to France to coordinate with the Interpol regarding the efforts to locate Co and the Philippine government’s request for a red notice against him.
An Interpol red notice is a request for law enforcement agencies worldwide to “locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.”
“We urge Mr. Co and the other accused to face the charges before the court. Evading arrest will not stop the process of justice. The PNP will continue to enforce warrants without fear or favor,” Nartatez said.
“It takes time sometimes to enforce the arrest warrant but what is certain is that the long arm of the law always catches up with those who evade the legal processes,” he added. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
