Interpol has been formally notified and Portuguese authorities are being engaged by Manila in its effort to bring back former Albay congressman Zaldy Co, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. disclosed Tuesday during a press briefing on the final day of his working visit to New York.
“We have to ask for the assistance of the country where he is, which is presently Portugal. So that’s what we have done,” Marcos said.
Co, who was declared a fugitive from justice by the Sandiganbayan, is a central figure in the flood control corruption scandal. He previously chaired the House appropriations committee.
The National Bureau of Investigation had filed the supplemental documents required for the Interpol red notice request in February, meeting the agency’s deadline.
“Naglagay na tayo ng red notice sa Interpol at patuloy ang ating ugnayan sa Portuguese authorities na pauwiin na siya. That’s the process,” the President added.
Co drew widespread attention in November 2025 when he released a series of recorded videos on social media naming Marcos and his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, among several high-ranking government officials he claimed were involved in alleged kickbacks.
The Sandiganbayan’s fugitive declaration against Co remains in force as diplomatic and law enforcement channels continue to be pursued.
