Remulla Heads to France; Push to Bring Co Home

Photo via ABS-CBN News

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla is set to travel to France as the Philippine government intensifies efforts to locate and bring back former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co, who is reportedly seeking asylum in the European country.

Sec. Remulla said the trip will focus on following up with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) regarding the Philippines’ request for a Red Notice against Mr. Co. The notice is being pursued as part of government efforts to have the former lawmaker returned to the country.

The government has been seeking Mr. Co’s return after he became the subject of arrest warrants in connection with cases involving an allegedly anomalous flood control project. 

Sec. Remulla previously said that Mr. Co is believed to be staying in France while pursuing political asylum. He also expressed confidence that government authorities could eventually secure Mr. Co’s return and have him face the allegations against him in the Philippines.

The planned France trip comes as Philippine officials coordinate with foreign authorities over the case. 

Sec. Remulla has emphasized that the government intends to pursue legal and law-enforcement channels rather than allow individuals facing criminal cases in the Philippines to evade proceedings by staying abroad.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla is also scheduled to travel to France to coordinate with authorities regarding Mr. Co and other Philippine personalities reportedly in the country. He said the visit would initially involve an exchange of information and preparation for possible steps toward their return, rather than an immediate arrest operation.

The Philippine government’s efforts also involve the broader question of how international mechanisms can be used to pursue individuals facing criminal cases who are outside the country. 

The absence of a straightforward return process has made coordination with foreign authorities and international organizations particularly important.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had earlier directed Jonvic Remulla to work toward bringing Mr. Co back to the Philippines. 

Sec. Remulla said the government knows Mr. Co’s whereabouts and intends to pursue the necessary international mechanisms to secure his return.

The developments place the government’s international law-enforcement efforts under closer public attention as authorities continue pursuing Mr. Co while his reported asylum application in France remains an important factor in determining the next steps.