The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has given former Ako-Bicol Partylist representative Zaldy Co — along with 17 others — until Monday to surrender.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla made the announcement in a radio interview on Saturday, saying they are only waiting for copies of the arrest warrants so he can issue a memorandum officially demanding their surrender.
He explained that the order will be straightforward:
Show up at the nearest government agency by Monday… or the government will go after you.
Remulla did not mince words.
If Co and his co-accused choose to hide, he said they will be treated as fugitives of justice.
And if they attempt any “aggressive or evasive maneuvers,” Remulla warned that the law will come down hard on them.
“Gagamit ako ng bigat ng batas para makuha sila.”
I will use the full weight of the law to bring them in.
Joint Hunt by PNP and NBI
The DILG chief shared that the implementation of the arrest warrants will be a joint operation between the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Both agencies earlier assured the public that the arrests will be done lawfully and with full respect for due process.
The NBI even urged Co to surrender “while dignity is still a choice and not a consequence.”
Where Is Zaldy Co?
According to Remulla, Co is currently outside the Philippines — and is constantly on the move.
Latest intelligence placed him in Japan, then reportedly China, and finally back to Europe just this Thursday.
But catching him won’t be easy.
The Philippines has no extradition treaties with Russia, China, Malaysia, or Portugal — countries where Co could potentially seek refuge.
Making matters more complicated, Co reportedly holds a Golden Visa in Portugal, giving him free movement within the Schengen zone and the right to live there.
Remulla stressed that passport cancellation — whether Philippine or Portuguese — would greatly help global authorities track and arrest him.
Once cancelled, he said,
“Anytime he uses his passport, it will be red-flagged. Officials will arrest him immediately.”
Tracker Teams Now on the Move
Even if Co is believed to be abroad, Remulla warned that he could still attempt to slip back into the country through unofficial entry points.
Because of this, tracker teams have been deployed to visit his known homes and businesses.
The DILG said these teams will review months of surveillance, monitor movement patterns, and pursue the necessary red notices and passport cancellations.
Why the Warrants Were Issued
Co and 17 others are facing several arrest warrants from the Sandiganbayan over alleged anomalous flood-control projects.
Hold departure orders have already been issued — but the Department of Foreign Affairs clarified that Co’s passport has not yet been canceled, as no court order for cancellation has been released.
