THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has requested a ‘red notice’ from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) against resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.
Meanwhile, the NBI said it had retrieved relevant documents from its search of Co’s condominium unit in Taguig City.
In an interview with Manila Standard, NBI spokesman Palmer Mallari confirmed this development.
“It is confirmed. We sent our request last Nov. 23 thru the PCTC [Philippine Center on Transnational Crime,” he said.
“We constantly follow up, but there is no approval yet. We are pursuing credible leads,” he added.
Mallari explained that once the request has been approved, the red notice will be immediately sent to all member-states to inform them of the arrest warrant against the former lawmaker.
Co is among the many high-profile public figures accused of defrauding millions of Filipinos through ‘ghost’ and substandard state-funded infrastructure projects.
The Interpol defines the red notice as a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.
The PCTC is tasked to formulate and implement a concerted program of action of all law enforcement, intelligence and other government agencies for the prevention and control of transnational crime.
Mallari said Thursday’s search of Co’s condominium unit was successful.
He added that NBI agents secured several documents that have a “bearing on the investigation,” noting that the paper trail matched earlier findings.
He added that details could not be disclosed yet to avoid compromising ongoing investigations.
