Bureau of Immigration Intensifies Monitoring on Former Ako-Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and Co-accused Amid Arrest Warrants

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has escalated its vigilance after arrest warrants were issued for former Ako-Bicol Partylist representative Zaldy Co and 17 co-accused in connection with irregularities in flood control projects.

In a statement released on Sunday, the BI confirmed that the names of all individuals facing charges have been entered into their database. They will be flagged and subjected to verification, with immediate action to be taken if any attempt to enter or exit the country through airports or seaports is detected.

"Once intercepted, our officers have strict directives to coordinate promptly with the Philippine National Police to ensure the lawful execution of the warrants," said Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.

The BI also disclosed that four of the accused are currently abroad. Among them are Montrexis Tamayo, Officer-in-Charge of the DPWH Planning and Design Division, last reported in Qatar; Aderma Angelie Alcazar, President and Board Chairman of Sunwest Inc., currently in Australia; and Cesar Buenaventura, Sunwest Inc. treasurer, who is in the United Arab Emirates.

The government reported that Co's last known whereabouts were in Japan before traveling to Europe via China on Thursday.

The BI emphasized the importance of close inter-agency collaboration to prevent the accused from evading justice. The agency assured full cooperation with other law enforcement bodies to guarantee the proper implementation of the arrest warrants.

Commissioner Viado noted that there have been no court orders to revoke Co’s passport. Passport restrictions can only be applied if the individual is a fugitive, has been convicted of a crime, or acquired the document fraudulently.