Co given until Monday to surrender — DILG secretary

Former Ako-Bicol Partylist representative Zaldy Co and his 17 co-accused have until Monday to surrender. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla issued the ultimatum after graft charges were filed against them over the anomalous flood control projects.

Co and the other 17 individuals are the subjects of several warrants of arrest issued by the Sandiganbayan on Friday in connection with the flood control projects.

“Bibigyan namin kayo hanggang Lunes na mag-surrender sa pinakamalapit ahensya ng gobyerno at magpakita, para maiharap namin. Otherwise, sila hahanapin namin,” Remulla said in a radio interview on Saturday.

(“We are giving you until Monday to surrender at the nearest government agency and appear so we can present you. Otherwise, we will look for you.”)

Although the DILG is still awaiting a copy of the warrants, Remulla warned: “Kasi kung sila po ay magtago, then we will consider them fugitives of justice. 'Pag sila po magpakita ng konting aggressive maneuvers or evasive maneuvers, baka magpapasensyahan kami. Ako, mabigat po kamay ko sa ganyan.”

(“If they hide, we will consider them fugitives of justice. If they show aggressive or evasive maneuvers, we may run out of patience. I take such actions seriously.”)

“Gagamit ako po ng bigat ng batas niyan para makuha sila,” he added.

(“I will use the full weight of the law to apprehend them.”)

Remulla noted that authorities are working to track Co’s location, as he is currently outside the country. Co was reportedly last seen in Japan, but had flown to China and returned to Europe on Thursday.

Remulla also said the Philippines would be unable to catch Co if he travels to Russia, China, Malaysia, or Portugal. Co reportedly has a Golden Visa in Portugal, allowing him free movement within the Schengen zone and the right to live in the country.

“Wala po tayong extradition treaties sa mga bayan na iyon… Ang rules naman po ng Portugal ay if the crime was committed before the acquisition of the [golden] passport, ay liable sila sa batas,” Remulla said.

(“We have no extradition treaties with those countries… Portugal’s rules state that if the crime was committed before the acquisition of the golden passport, they are still liable under the law.”)

He added that canceling Co’s passports would make it easier for Interpol to locate him.

“Whether it's a Philippine or Portuguese passport, basta huwag lang po doon sa loob ng bansa. Limitado po ang galaw dyan… Kahit saan po siya pumunta sa mundo, pag mag-register po ang kanyang passport ay ma-re-red flag kagad. I-arrest kagad siya ng mga officials,” he said.

(“Whether it is a Philippine or Portuguese passport, as long as it is outside the country, his movement will be limited… Wherever he goes in the world, once his passport registers, it will be flagged and officials will arrest him.”)

Remulla said Co may still attempt to re-enter the country through backdoor routes, prompting the formation of tracker teams tasked to visit his known residences and businesses. These teams will review five months’ worth of surveillance and apply for red notices and passport cancellations.

Hold departure orders have also been issued for the accused, but the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) clarified that no court order has been issued to cancel Co’s passport.

Remulla said the warrant’s implementation against Co and the other accused will be carried out jointly by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).