The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is open to a government-backed reward system to accelerate the arrest of former Albay Rep. Zaldy Co, who is wanted for corruption and malversation charges linked to alleged irregularities in flood-control projects.

PNP Acting Chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. told reporters on Thursday that the police organization has been coordinating with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Office of the President on measures that could fast-track the ongoing manhunt.

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

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

He added that rewards often encourage more people to come forward with actionable information, especially in areas where police visibility 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 similar reward schemes have previously broadened the flow of leads for investigators.

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

The government earlier signaled 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 intelligence build-up and manhunt operations.

Co remains the subject of an active arrest warrant as multiple agencies work to track his whereabouts.