ON Wednesday, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. stated that the Philippine government is currently collaborating with Portuguese authorities to bring back former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who is now in Portugal.
Marcos highlighted that this effort requires international cooperation and strict adherence to legal protocols, as the Philippines cannot independently extradite Co without the assistance and approval of the Portuguese government.
Marcos explained that the government has already taken steps by issuing a red notice through Interpol, which serves as an international alert to locate and apprehend individuals wanted for serious crimes. He assured the public that Philippine authorities maintain constant communication with their counterparts in Portugal to expedite Co’s return, highlighting that this is a standard procedure in international law enforcement cooperation.
“You cannot bring him home because that’s just not the way it works. We have to ask the assistance of the country where he is in, which is presently Portugal,” Marcos told reporters. He reiterated that the Philippine National Police (PNP) has no jurisdiction over Portugal, and that the process of extradition or transfer must be carried out with the cooperation of Portuguese authorities. The President assured that they are doing everything necessary to ensure that legal protocols are followed.
Zaldy Co faces charges of graft and malversation related to a P289 million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. Despite maintaining his innocence, authorities are determined to bring him back to face the charges.
Reports indicate that Co was last seen in Stockholm, Sweden, on January 15, based on an apostille attached to a petition filed with the Supreme Court. Prior information from Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla suggested that Co was also in Lisbon, Portugal, and the government continues to pursue his extradition through diplomatic channels.
