Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla expressed confidence that former Congressman Zaldy Co will be arrested, underscoring that the government will pursue every legal avenue despite extradition challenges.

In a media interview, Remulla confirmed that Co is currently in Portugal and holds a Portuguese passport. “As of now, wala tayong extradition treaty with Portugal kaya tingin namin doon siya nagtatago,” Remulla stated.

When asked about Co’s dual citizenship implications, he clarified the limits of foreign prosecution. “Depende sa batas nila ‘yan. Ang pagkaalam ko, if the crime was committed before the acquisition of the passport, ay hindi siya chargeable. Kung after the acquisition, pwede siyang i-repatriate.”

Remulla, however, remained steadfast that Co will eventually face accountability. “Ako, hindi ako nawawalan ng pag-asa. Kasi maliit ang mundo, mas lalong lumiliit ang mundo niya. Pwede siyang magkamali, pwede tayong swertehin. Pwedeng through negotiations mapagbigyan tayo ng Portuguese government.”

The SILG also confirmed that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has seized several properties linked to Co, including assets in Forbes Park and Bicol. “Lahat ng properties pinasok namin. Yung sa Forbes wala sa pangalan niya, pero beneficial owner siya,” he said, noting that the properties are now under a freeze order.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier urged Co to return to the country, assuring the public that the investigation into the ghost flood control projects will continue and will not end in disappointment. Co is at the center of the largest corruption scandal involving ghost flood control projects in the Department of Public Works and Highways and alleged budget insertions in the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, Remulla said the DILG is ready to enforce an arrest warrant should the International Criminal Court (ICC) issue one for Senator Bato Dela Rosa, who faces charges of crimes against humanity linked to extrajudicial killings during the previous administration’s drug war. “Kung lumabas ang warrant of arrest as validated by the Transnational Crime or DOJ or Interpol, aarestuhin namin siya,” he said.

The DILG affirms its commitment to President Marcos’ directive to uphold accountability, ensure justice, and strengthen law enforcement cooperation across jurisdictions.