FOLLOWING the issuance of arrest warrants for former Ako-Bicol Partylist representative Zaldy Co and his 17 co-accused in connection with anomalous flood control projects, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has intensified its vigilance at all ports of entry and exit.
The BI has encoded the names of all accused into its database, ensuring immediate flagging, verification, and response should they attempt to leave or enter the country.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized that officers are under strict orders to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the lawful execution of the warrants upon interception.
However, the BI faces significant challenges, as four of the accused are already overseas, including key figures such as DPWH OIC–Planning and Design Division Chief Montrexis Tamayo, Sunwest Inc. President Aderma Angelie Alcazar, and Sunwest Inc. treasurer Cesar Buenaventura.
Adding to the complexity, Zaldy Co’s last known location was in Japan, from where he reportedly traveled to Europe via China. Despite these movements, the BI has not received any court orders to revoke Co’s passport, which can only be denied, cancelled, or restricted under specific legal conditions.
The BI underscores the necessity of close inter-agency coordination to prevent the accused from evading accountability and reaffirms its commitment to working with law enforcement agencies to ensure the warrants are lawfully executed.
