The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday clarified its role in the repatriation of fugitive resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co, emphasizing that his return requires coordination among various agencies and International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), rather than the DFA alone.
In a statement, the DFA acknowledged the efforts of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to bring Co back, but emphasized that his arrest and repatriation involve joint law enforcement and judicial processes, especially Interpol cooperation.
“While the DFA values the DILG’s collaboration, the DFA clarifies that Mr. Co’s arrest and repatriation involve coordinated law enforcement and judicial processes, particularly Interpol coordination,” the statement read.
This comes in response to DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s remarks in a radio interview, saying that the diplomatic channels and legal procedures for Co’s potential return fall under the DFA’s jurisdiction, not the DILG.
“That is no longer under me. That’s already with the DFA. They will take the necessary diplomatic steps to bring him back,” he was quoted saying.
“Secretary Remulla’s view that the matter rests solely ‘up to the DFA’ does not fully capture this whole-of-government approach, which requires joint action across concerned government agencies,” the foreign affairs department clarified.
The DFA reiterated its support for the rule of law and the return of Filipino nationals facing legal proceedings, urging the public to share information regarding Co’s whereabouts to facilitate and ensure his return.
The Department also vowed to provide diplomatic assistance within its authority and established protocols. Reports indicate that based on an apostille attached to a petition filed with the Supreme Court, Co has appeared in Stockholm, Sweden.
On November 18, the Ombudsman filed charges of corruption and malversation of public funds against Co, officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways, and directors of Sunwest Corp., before the Sandiganbayan.
These charges relate to an alleged P289 million anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
On December 10, DFA Secretary Theresa Lazaro announced that Co’s passport had been canceled, in line with the Sandiganbayan’s resolution and a directive from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
