NBI agents search Zaldy Co's condo in Taguig amid charges over flood control mess

National Bureau of Investigation agents on Thursday went to search former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co's condominium unit at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

According to Jun Veneracion's report on "24 Oras," the government agents served a search warrant in connection with charges of violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

With the search warrant, the authorities may forcibly open the vaults in the premises and seize cash and documents.

"Ito pong sa search warrant in the application, there is a mention that there is a need and necessity to see kung anong laman ng vaults na yan at yung laman ng vault na yan, potentially, baka magagamit na ebidensya doon sa ating inimbestiga ng kaso," NBI spokesperson Palmer Mallari said.

"The inventory sheet would include everything that was seized during the implementation. The operatives will be preparing a post-operation report addressed to the director at dyan lang po namin masasabi kung ano yung mga nakakalala," he added.

The NBI said the length of time for the search depends on the evidence that may be found.

Co and 16 others are facing malversation and graft charges before the Sandiganbayan over the P289 million substandard road dike project in Oriental Mindoro.

The Sandiganbayan has declared Co a "fugitive from justice" and ordered the cancellation of his Philippine passport by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

In a December 10 resolution, the anti-graft court said that the Ombudsman prosecutors established a pattern of non-compliance and avoidance that demonstrates an intent to evade prosecution on the part of Co.

“Accused Co resigned instead of complying with the House of Representatives' order to return to the country; he refused to comply with subpoenas from the ICI, and he did not file a counter-affidavit with the Office of the Ombudsman," the Sandiganbayan said. –NB, GMA Integrated News