DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla says fugitive ex-lawmaker Zaldy Co remains in Lisbon, Portugal, but arrest efforts are hampered by a lack of extradition treaty and restricted access to a gated community.
Photo courtesy of PNA
Fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co remains in Portugal, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on Thursday.
“Nasa Portugal siya. We’re pretty certain nasa Lisbon siya. Isang gated community. Halos hindi lumalabas ng bahay,” Remulla said in a radio interview, referring to Lisbon, Portugal, based on ongoing surveillance efforts.
Remulla noted, however, that access to the area remains a challenge.
“Meron kaming operatives na tumitingin, nagse-surveillance sa kanya. Pero halos hindi lumalabas ng bahay. Nandoon lang sa loob. Hindi kasi makakapasok doon sa gated community na ’yan,” he added.
Among the challenges in arresting Co is the lack of an extradition treaty between the Philippines and Portugal. Remulla also said Co is reportedly holding a Portuguese passport.
“The government will apply all the pressure necessary. Kasi ngayon, lahat ng assets niya malapit nang ma-seize. Lahat ng pera niya rito, on hold. Lahat ng properties niya, lahat ng negosyo niya, nakukuha na ng gobyerno. Kahit paano, kung sino ka man, ipaglalaban mo ’yan. In all legal ways, hindi kami manggigipit na hindi legal,” Remulla said.
Arrest warrants were issued against Co and several others, including officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and executives of Co’s Sunwest Corp., in November 2025 over alleged anomalous flood control projects.
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