Philippines Moves to Secure Red Notices Against Fugitives

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Thursday, September 10, that Interpol is expected to soon issue Red Notices for former lawmaker Zaldy Co and other fugitives facing charges in the Philippines, as authorities work to complete the necessary documentation. Justice Secretary Humprey Vida stated in a press briefing that the Philippine Center on Transnational Crimes (PCTC) and Manila Interpol are finalizing the requirements for the requests concerning Co and other fugitives from justice. "We believe that in the near future, our request for the issuance of a Red Notice will be realized. This applies not only to former Congressman Zaldy Co but also to other fugitives from justice," Vida said. Among these fugitives, he mentioned, is former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who is facing charges related to anti-trafficking in Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO). A Red Notice is an international request for law enforcement agencies to locate and provisionally arrest an individual pending extradition. Earlier this week, it was reported that Ombudsman Boying Remulla and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla traveled separately to France to coordinate with authorities in tracking Co, following an arrest warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan against him and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez over a P7.44-billion plunder charge. Jonvic Remulla had stated he was scheduled to meet with Interpol, headquartered in Lyon, France, while Boying Remulla was set to engage with French authorities in Paris. Secretary Vida also affirmed the DOJ's commitment to strengthening cooperation with international agencies to prevent Filipino fugitives from abusing asylum systems, emphasizing that other countries should not serve as 'safe havens' for officials facing corruption-related charges. In April, Malacañang confirmed that Co was seeking political asylum in France. On Thursday, during the same press briefing, the DOJ revealed that Roque had applied for asylum in Austria. Vida highlighted that the Philippine government consistently invokes the UN Convention Against Corruption in its international coordination efforts. "We, and various officials and personnel of the Philippine government, repeatedly state that we, just like you, detest corruption. Do not allow the system or the option to apply for asylum to become a means to evade accountability," he said. However, the Philippine government does not oppose asylum applications by fugitives from justice, as such opposition can inadvertently reinforce their claims. "Because if the government opposes, it will be further highlighted that 'this person is politically oppressed.' There is no political oppression happening. We simply want them to be held accountable under the Philippine legal system," Vida explained. Source: Philstar Nation