NBI asks Interpol for Red Notice vs ex-Rep Zaldy Co

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has formally requested Interpol to issue a Red Notice for former Ako Bicol Party-List Representative Zaldy Co.

The request was submitted on November 23 to the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime and is currently under evaluation by Interpol.

Co faces malversation and graft charges before the Sandiganbayan concerning a P289 million anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

The Sandiganbayan has issued warrants for his arrest and declared him and three others fugitives from justice on December 10, leading to the cancellation of their passports.

Nine of Co's co-accused have been arrested and are currently detained.

While the NBI has leads on Co's whereabouts, they are keeping the details confidential.

Authorities are coordinating with Portugal, as Co is suspected to hold a Portuguese passport, and Interpol's Red Notice will allow law enforcement worldwide to share crime-related information.

However, Interpol cannot compel member states to arrest a subject, as each country applies its own laws in deciding whether to act on the notice.