The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is prepared to coordinate with French authorities to locate former Ako Bicol Party-list representative Zaldy Co, who is facing a plunder case.
According to PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., the PNP will coordinate with its French counterparts to ensure that the transfer of custody of the former party-list representative remains lawful and in accordance with legal procedures.
“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,” Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.
“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,” he added.
Nartatez made the statement following Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s announcement that he would travel to France to pursue the arrest and transfer of Co, who is being sought in connection with the alleged flood control scandal.
The authorities’ latest move comes after the Sandiganbayan issued a new warrant of arrest against Co for non-bailable plunder over alleged anomalies involving flood control projects.
Nartatez urged Co and his co-accused to face the charges in court, warning that evading arrest would not stop the judicial process.
“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.
The anti-graft court had earlier ordered Co’s arrest in November last year, but the former lawmaker reportedly moved between countries before authorities traced him to France.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), meanwhile, said authorities would again seek an Interpol Red Notice as officials pursue the case against Co in coordination with French authorities.
Reports from RH Edniel Parrosa
