The Philippine National Police (PNP) has vowed to sustain close coordination with international law enforcement partners to locate former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co and ensure his return to the country to face non-bailable plunder charges.
PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., assured the public that the police force is working closely with foreign agencies to enforce the legal process.
“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,” PGEN Nartatez said.
Co is among the primary accused in a massive P7.4-billion plunder case involving alleged kickbacks, commissions, and illicit benefits derived from government infrastructure and flood control projects implemented from 2022 to 2025.
The Sandiganbayan has issued warrants of arrest against Co, as well as his co-accused Joselyn Tragua Sereño and Felicito Cristobal Guevarra, both of whom remain at large.
The developments follow the PNP’s service of a separate arrest warrant against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who was taken into custody at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City.
Addressing the pursuit of Co abroad, General Nartatez noted that international protocols will be strictly adhered to once his exact location is confirmed.
“If Mr. Co is arrested abroad, the process will follow international protocols through Interpol and diplomatic channels. The PNP will assist in the lawful transfer of custody once the court issues its directive,” Nartatez stated.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla previously announced plans to travel to Interpol headquarters in Lyon, France to personally follow up on the Philippine government’s application for an Interpol Red Notice against the former lawmaker.
Meanwhile, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla is expected to spearhead diplomatic efforts with French authorities to facilitate Co’s location and eventual extradition.
The PNP Chief urged the remaining fugitives to surrender voluntarily rather than evade law enforcement operations.
“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 stressed. “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.”
The PNP confirmed that targeted tracking operations remain active to locate and arrest Sereño and Guevarra.