WATCH: NBI inspects Zaldy Co's BGC condo unit

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) inspected a condominium unit of former Ako Bicol Party-List Representative Zaldy Co in Bonifacio Global City.

According to GMA Integrated News' John Consulta, the NBI on Monday evening sought to recover documentary evidence to prove allegations of bid rigging in connection to anomalous flood control projects.

The operation was reportedly based on an inspection order issued by Makati Regional Trial Court. 

When authorities reached the penthouse floor of the condominium, they were faced by seven lawyers of Sunwest and Co. 

Lawyers only allowed eight operatives to enter the unit. This includes six NBI agents, one representative of PCC, and one court sheriff. 

According to a source, documents related to the bidding and flood control were obtained.

The NBI and PCC have already sealed the documents that were obtained, and these are scheduled to be photocopied tomorrow.

The limitation of an inspection order compared to a search warrant is that the documents found cannot simply be taken, but they can be examined, copied, or photographed.

According to the report, the NBI said they will study how the items recovered from Co's unit can be used for the case buildup against the former lawmaker and other individuals named in the recovered documents.

The Office of the Ombudsman previously filed with the Sandiganbayan corruption and malversation of public funds charges against Co and others on November 18. The charges were in connection with the alleged anomalous P289 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

Due to this, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that warrants of arrest have been issued against Co and others.

On Monday, the Department of the Interior and Local Government said that Co is believed to be in Portugal.

Malacañang has welcomed the possibility of providing a reward for his arrest.

"Sa ngayon po, wala pong napag-uusapan sa ganiyan. Pero since nadinig po sa inyo, maaari po siguro ikonsidera. Pero as of now, wala pa pong napag-uusapan tungkol diyan," said Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro.

(There's no talk about it yet. But since you've mentioned it, it can be considered. But as of now, there's no talk about it.)

Castro also said it was a good suggestion. —Joahna Lei Casilao and Vince Angelo Ferreras/ VAL/RF, GMA Integrated News