Former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co remains outside the Philippines, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
BI Deputy Spokesperson Melvin Mabulac confirmed in an interview with PTV on Thursday, October 9, that their initial check of travel records showed Co has not returned to the country.
“So far nakalista wala tayong masyadong nakitang travel record because bago pa lang ito naibigay sa atin pero for one ang alam po natin si [former] Cong. Co ay wala sa ating bansa ‘yun po ang nakikita natin sa checking ng recent travel record,” Mabulac said.
The confirmation came after the Department of Justice released an updated list of individuals subject to Immigration Lookout Bulletin Orders (ILBO) in connection with the alleged multibillion-peso flood control fund irregularities.
Mabulac said the bureau is verifying the whereabouts of others included in the new list. He also explained that the ILBO serves only as a monitoring mechanism and is distinct from a Hold Departure Order, which can only be issued by courts.
He added that without a Hold Departure Order, individuals under the ILBO are not prohibited from leaving the country, noting that the BI’s role is to inform the Department of Justice of any movements involving those listed.
The BI has previously acknowledged that some people manage to evade airport checks by using “backdoor” routes to exit or enter the Philippines.
