By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Tuesday expressed confidence in the impending arrest of fugitives involved in anomalous flood control projects.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Philippine authorities are closely coordinating with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to locate the personalities implicated in the flood control mess.
“Sa parte po ng gobyerno natin, ginagawa natin ang lahat ng paraan para mapauwi ang mga fugitives. So, nakikipag-cooperate na tayo at nakikipag-coordinate sa Interpol,” Castro said.
“We are just awaiting the response from the Interpol.”
Castro expressed the Philippine government’s optimism about the Interpol’s positive response to the country’s request for the issuance of a red notice to those who remain in hiding, including former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.
“So, tayo naman ay naging maganda rin naman na ka-partner ng Interpol, at alam po natin na ang Interpol ay ginagawa rin nila ang kanilang mandato. So, makakaasa po tayo na mapapauwi ang mga fugitives dito,” she said.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday said there was no red notice yet against Co.
Marcos earlier ordered the immediate apprehension of Co following the issuance of a warrant of arrest against the fugitive lawmaker.
On Nov. 23, 2025, the NBI filed a request with Interpol for the issuance of a red notice against Co.
An Interpol red notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.
However, it is not an international arrest warrant and is restricted to law enforcement use only.
The government has already cancelled the passport of Co, who is considered a key figure for alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects.
Malacañang also expressed openness to offering a monetary reward for information leading to Co’s arrest.
According to reports, Co was in Stockholm, Sweden last month, based on the document attached to his petition filed before the Supreme Court.
