The Department of the Interior and Local Government said Monday resigned Ako Bicol representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co is believed to be in Portugal following arrest warrant issued against him and those involved in the flood control mess in Oriental Mindoro

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said that Co is suspected to hold a Portuguese passport “acquired so many years ago”.

“Zaldy Co is believed to be in Europe, suspected to be in Portugal. He is suspected to have a Portuguese passport, acquired so many years ago,” Remulla told reporters during a Palace briefing.

Remulla also said that the former legislator’s passport may have been cancelled.

“Ang pagkakaalam ko na-cancel na ‘yung passport niya (As far as I know, his passport has been cancelled),” he said.

“We believe he is a holder of two passports, not only a visa but also a passport so doon tayo may complication nang kaunti (there is a bit of complication),” he added.

The DILG last week said it will look into reports that Co has a Portuguese passport, saying the ex-lawmaker may be protected by Portugal if he acquired it prior to the filing of cases against him.

The Philippines also has no extradition treaty with Portugal.

Asked on how the DILG will extradite Co, Remulla deferred the extradition process to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

“Nakikiusap kami sa lahat ng Pilipino sa buong mundo na kung makita nila si Zaldy Co, kung pwede picturan, ipadala, i-post agad sa internet para may idea tayo kung nasaan siya,” Remulla said.

(We call on Filipinos worldwide to take a photo of Co should you see him. Post it immediately on the internet so we will have an idea of his whereabouts.)

“Ang hinala namin nasa Portugal siya kung saan siya naninirahan (We believe he is in Portugal and is currently residing there),” the DILG chief added.

On November 21, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that warrants of arrest have been issued against Co and 15 others–officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and directors of Sunwest Corp.–in connection with the flood control projects controversy.

This comes after the Ombudsman 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.