Interpol red notice vs. Zaldy Co expected ‘this week or next week’ —DILG’s Remulla

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday said it is in the process of securing an International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) red notice against former lawmaker Zaldy Co.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the Interpol red notice is expected to be issued this week or next week.

“Si Zaldy Co, nag-apply na kami ng red notice. I think we should get the red notice anytime this week or next week,” Remulla told Super Radyo dzBB in an interview.

A red notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action, according to Interpol.

LIST: What are Interpol notices?

According to Remulla, Co is in Portugal.

In November 2025, a blue notice was issued by the Interpol against Co, who is facing charges in connection with alleged anomalous flood control projects.

According to Interpol, a blue notice is for the collection of additional information about a person’s identity, location, or activities in relation to a criminal investigation. 

Arrest warrants were issued against Co and 17 others including officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and directors of Sunwest Corp. over supposed anomalous flood control projects. 

The Ombudsman filed with the Sandiganbayan corruption and malversation of public funds charges against Co and others. 

The charges were in connection with the alleged anomalous P289 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. 

These were the first lodged against those allegedly involved in the flood control kickback scheme that Marcos first flagged during his fourth State of the Nation Address in July.

Government prosecutors said that the P289 million non-existent flood control project built by Sunwest Corporation, a firm owned by Co's immediate family members, is substandard.

"The Office of the Ombudsman welcomes the issuance of warrants of arrest against Zaldy Co and the 17 other accused in the corruption cases filed before the Sandiganbayan last Tuesday," the Ombudsman said in a statement.

"To the law enforcement agencies whose responsibility it is to effect the arrests—execute the warrants without delay. Ensure their immediate arrest and bring them before the bar of justice," it added.

Co has denied the allegations.—AOL, GMA News