The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is open to offering a reward to speed up the capture of former Albay Representative Zaldy Co who is wanted on corruption and malversation charges linked to alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. told reporters on Thursday the police have been coordinating with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Office of the President on measures to fast-track the ongoing manhunt.

Nartatez said the PNP has yet to submit a formal proposal on a reward but will support any decision of the national government.

“At this point, the Philippine National Police has not yet made a formal recommendation, but we are ready to support whatever decision the national government may make. Our focus remains on locating and arresting Zaldy Co using all legal means available,” he said.

He noted that rewards encourage people to come forward with information, especially in areas where police presence is limited.

Last month, the Department of Justice announced a P1-million reward for information leading to the arrest of Cassandra Ong, who is wanted for qualified human trafficking in connection with the POGO hub Lucky South 99. 

Nartatez said previous offers of a reward had resulted in numerous leads for investigators.

Should the government authorize a bounty for Co, Nartatez said the PNP is prepared to activate its procedures for handling high-value targets, including documentation, fund management, and validation protocols.

The government earlier signaled an openness to offering a reward for Co’s capture. Authorities believe he may be hiding in Portugal.

Nartatez has directed PNP units nationwide to tighten border and checkpoint monitoring and strengthen coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and local governments.

The PNP is also reviewing the operational implications of recommending a reward while continuing its intelligence build-up and manhunt operations.

Co is the subject of an active arrest warrant as multiple agencies are working to track his whereabouts.