By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) is awaiting a response from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) regarding the Philippines’ request for a “blue notice” against Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, Malacañang said on Monday.
This, as Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said there are no new updates regarding the whereabouts of Co.
“Nakausap po natin ang DOJ at sinabi po sa atin na sila ay nakapag-request for blue notice. At hinihintay na lamang po siguro ang response (We have spoken with the DOJ, and they informed us that they have already requested a blue notice. They are likely just waiting for a response now),” Castro said.
Castro noted that the blue notice issued by Interpol only helps law enforcement agencies stay informed about the location and movements of a person of interest, but does not authorize arrest.
“Ang blue notice naman po kasi ay hindi naman po ito karapatan para arestuhin. Ito po ay pagmo-monitor lang kung saan siya nagpupunta. So, ganoon lang po. Ibibigay po at ia-update po ang bansa natin kung nasaan po at ano po ang lokasyon nang nasabing tao na subject ng blue notice (A Blue Notice does not give the right to arrest someone. It only tracks where the person goes. That’s all it does. Our country will be informed and updated about where the person is),” she said.
Co has been implicated in a multi-billion-peso flood control project scandal, with allegations that he received kickbacks.
According to reports, Co may have traveled to Paris, France, after initially departing for the United States to seek medical treatment.
House Speaker Faustino Dy III formally revoked Co’s travel clearance on Sept. 18, directing the latter to return to the Philippines within 10 calendar days.
As of press time, Co has not yet responded to Dy’s directive. (PNA)
