Immigration officers at international airports and seaports across the nation have been placed on heightened alert following the issuance of warrants of arrest on 21 November to former Ako Bicol Representative Elizaldy Co and 15 others from the Sandiganbayan, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said.

According to the BI on Sunday, the names of individuals covered by the warrants have been entered into the agency’s derogatory database, which will enable officers to flag and verify any attempt to enter or leave the country.

“Once intercepted, our officers are under strict instruction to promptly coordinate with the Philippine National Police for the proper and lawful execution of the warrants,” BI Commissioner Joel Viado said.

BI travel records show that four of the 16 individuals are currently abroad.

Co left for Singapore on 6 August. Officer-in-Charge of the Department of Public Works and Highways Planning and Design Division Montrexis Tamayo departed for Qatar on 15 November.

Sunwest Inc. President and Board Chairman Aderma Angelie Alcazar went to Australia on 2 October, while Sunwest Treasurer Cesar Buenaventura flew to the United Arab Emirates the same date.