MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) clarified that the arrest and repatriation for former AKO Bicol Partylist Cong. Zaldy Co does not rest solely upon the department, but involves a coordinated enforcement and judicial processes with other relevant Philippine agencies.
This is the reaction of the DFA with Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s view that the issue of Co’s arrest and repatriation rests solely “up to the DFA”.
“Secretary Remulla's view that the matter rests solely "up to the DFA" does not fully capture this whole-of-government approach, which requires joint action across concerned government agencies,” the DFA said in a statement.
The DFA took note of the recent statements of Remulla on efforts to ensure the return of Co to the Philippines, and values the DILG’s collaboration, but reiterated that such undertaking requires cooperation among concerned government agencies, not just with the DFA.
The DFA reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and in ensuring that Filipino nationals facing legal accountability return to face due process.
“We urge the public to share any information on Mr. Co’s whereabouts to support these efforts. The DFA stands ready to provide diplomatic assistance within its mandate and in line with established protocols,” the DFA stated.
According to reports, Co is believed to be hiding in Lisbon, Portugal. He is wanted for graft and malversation in connection with an allegedly anomalous PHP289.5 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
Remulla earlier said that the DFA is now “in charge of the steps in terms of diplomacy to get him”.
The interior secretary also confirmed that a blue notice has been issued for Co by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), while the Philippine government was requesting for a red notice, which aims "to seek the location of the subject and arrest them for prosecution or to serve a sentence".
