Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the government is closely coordinating with Interpol to secure a red notice against former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, expressing confidence that authorities can bring him back to the Philippines before his asylum application in France is finalized.
Remulla gave the update during the live press conference of Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel, where he said the Philippine government has been working with Interpol on the red notice request filed against Co.
“I’m confident we’ll get the red notice, I’m confident we’re gonna get Zaldy Co back here in the Philippines,” Remulla said. “I’m confident na bago matapos ang asylum application niya, makukuha na natin si Zaldy.”
Remulla also made clear the extent of his determination to secure international action on the case.
“Kung pwede ako lumuhod sa Interpol para makuha yun, gagawin ko,” Remulla said.
A red notice is a request sent to law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a wanted individual pending extradition, surrender or other legal action. It is not an international arrest warrant, and each country applies its own laws in deciding whether to act on it.
Co is reportedly in France seeking political asylum. He is wanted for graft and malversation linked to an alleged anomalous flood control project.
Co is facing graft and malversation charges before the Sandiganbayan over a government flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. According to Remulla, the Philippine government filed the red notice request against him in September.
For Remulla, the position is straightforward: Co’s asylum bid will not stop the government’s pursuit. Authorities are relying on Interpol coordination, legal processes and international cooperation to bring the former lawmaker back to the Philippines to face the charges against him.
