Phl to coordinate with Portugal in finding Zaldy

The Philippine government is ready to communicate with Portugal or any country to track down resigned lawmaker and fugitive Zaldy Co, one of the politicians tied to the multibillion-peso flood control mess.

- By ALEXIS ROMERO

Co, who is facing an arrest warrant in relation to an allegedly anomalous road dike project in Oriental Mindoro, left the Philippines days before President Marcos ordered a probe into subpar and ghost flood control structures last July.

The former Ako Bicol party-list representative's Philippine passport has been canceled. However, he is said to be a holder of a Portuguese passport.

"If he has a passport, we can coordinate with that (issuing) country," Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said yesterday over dzBB.

Late last month, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Co, who has been charged with graft and malversation of public funds, was last seen in Japan.

Castro said the former lawmaker would be recognizable if the International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol issues a red notice.

"If he uses (his foreign-issued passport), maybe there is Interpol in the country he will visit," the Palace press officer said.

The Philippine National Police has expressed readiness to support the giving of reward for information that would lead to Co's arrest.