PNP to Coordinate with French Authorities in Search for Former Lawmaker Zaldy Co

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is preparing to coordinate with French authorities in its search for former party-list lawmaker Zaldy Co, who is facing plunder charges. "The PNP is prepared to coordinate with French authorities through Interpol should former Congressman Zaldy Co be located abroad. We will provide full support to ensure that due process is observed and justice is pursued," PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement. "If Mr. Co is arrested abroad, the process will follow international protocols through Interpol and diplomatic channels. The PNP will assist in the lawful transfer of custody once the court issues its directive," he added. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said that Philippine authorities will follow up its request for an Interpol red notice against Co in France. The former lawmaker, former House speaker Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez, and two co-accused are facing P7.4-billion plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan over their alleged involvement in a kickback scheme involving flood control projects. The PNP earlier said it has prepared a room for Romualdez in case he is allowed to remain under hospital arrest, after he was arrested on Monday at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City. Nartatez urged Co and the other co-accused to face the charges before the court. "Evading arrest will not stop the process of justice. The PNP will continue to enforce warrants without fear or favor," Nartatez he said. "It takes time sometimes to enforce the arrest warrant but what is certain is that the long arm of the law always catches up with those who evade the legal processes," he added. PNP further said operations are ongoing to serve the arrest warrants against the two other co-accused. — RSJ, GMA News