PH seeks Portugal's help in tracking ex-lawmaker Zaldy Co with arrest warrant

The Philippine government is coordinating with Portugal regarding former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who has an arrest warrant for alleged corruption and is suspected of holding a Portuguese passport.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that while canceling Co's Philippine passport restricts his travel, a Portuguese passport could complicate efforts to bring him to justice.

The Philippine National Police is ready to support offering a reward for information leading to Co's arrest.

Co, facing charges of graft and malversation of public funds, is linked to allegedly anomalous flood control projects and was last seen in Japan.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro mentioned that an Interpol red notice could help track Co, as he would be recognizable if he uses his foreign-issued passport.

The Philippine government is prepared to communicate with any country to locate Co, who left the Philippines in July before a probe into substandard flood control structures was ordered.