DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla to Visit France to Pursue Interpol Red Notice Against Zaldy Co

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced plans to visit France to follow up on the Philippine government's request for an Interpol red notice against former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co. The announcement came during a press briefing at Camp Crame on Tuesday, following a similar declaration by his brother, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, who also intends to coordinate with French authorities regarding Co's whereabouts.

The Interpol headquarters, located in Lyon, France, is the focal point for the red notice request. Jonvic Remulla stated that the government will refile the request for a red notice against Co and that he will personally engage with Interpol officials to expedite the process. Meanwhile, Ombudsman Remulla will focus on diplomatic efforts to facilitate Co's apprehension and return to the Philippines.

An Interpol red notice serves as an international alert to law enforcement agencies worldwide, requesting the location and provisional arrest of a person pending extradition or similar legal action. This mechanism is crucial in cases involving fugitives who cross international borders to evade justice.

Zaldy Co is currently the subject of multiple arrest warrants issued by the Sandiganbayan. The latest warrant, issued alongside Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez, pertains to a plunder charge involving alleged kickbacks exceeding 7 billion pesos linked to various government projects. Romualdez was arrested on Monday night at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City.

Previously, Co faced an arrest warrant issued in November for malversation related to an allegedly anomalous flood control project in Occidental Mindoro. Following that warrant, the Philippine government initially requested Interpol to issue a red notice against him. Despite these efforts, Co remains at large and is believed to be in France seeking asylum.

The charges against Co and Romualdez also involve Romualdez's personal aide and the president of a foreign exchange corporation, who are currently being pursued by law enforcement authorities. Secretary Remulla emphasized that efforts continue to locate and apprehend these co-accused individuals.

The coordinated approach between the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Office of the Ombudsman reflects the Philippine government's commitment to pursuing fugitives who evade accountability by crossing international borders. The upcoming visit to France aims to strengthen cooperation with Interpol and French authorities to ensure that legal processes proceed efficiently and that justice is served.