A team of agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has been dispatched to join other law enforcement bodies in serving arrest warrants against former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co and 17 others implicated in anomalous flood control projects.

This came after the Sandiganbayan issued warrants of arrest against Co — who founded Sunwest Corp. — along with 17 individuals from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Sunwest Corp.

NBI Officer-in-Charge Atty. Angelito DLP Magno said, “Those who steal from the public will be made to face the public. This is our mandate, and we intend to fulfill it.”

Co is currently out of the country, and his camp has claimed he fears for his life, saying he will not return at this time.

His counsel, Atty. Ruy Rondain, also said he would not advise his client to come home due to alleged threats to his safety.

However, the government has strongly urged Co to return and face the charges against him.