Zaldy Co Allegedly Last Seen in Japan, Ombudsman Boying Remulla Speaks on Arrest Warrant
Ombudsman Boying Remulla expressed his confidence that Zaldy Co who was allegedly last seen in Japan cannot escape from the Philippine authorities.
Amid his refusal to return to the Philippines citing concerns for his safety, Zaldy Co implicated President Bongbong Marcos and former Speaker Martin Romualdez in the corruption issue in the country. According to him, the President allegedly ordered a P100-billion budget insertion and the P56-billion kickback supposedly went to Marcos Jr. and Romualdez.
Zaldy Co is accused of allegedly receiving kickback from the flood control projects of the government. Contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya were the first ones to tag Co alongside then-Speaker Martin Romualdez in the alleged “kickback system”. They made their testimony during a Senate flood control hearing.
Aside from the Discayas, Orly Guteza, a former marine who is an ex-aide of Co, claimed that he was allegedly part of the team that supposedly delivered suitcases filled with millions of money at Malacañang and the residences of Co and Romualdez.
Zaldy Co previously confirmed the claim of Orly Guteza. Following his confirmation, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta who presented Orly Guteza claimed that the former marine is allegedly the “most credible witness ever”. Amid his claims, Co refused to return to the Philippines claiming he allegedly got warnings from Romualdez.
According to Zaldy Co, then-Speaker Martin Romualdez allegedly warned to shoot him if he will speak. He also claimed that they allegedly talked over the phone and he was supposedly threatened not to return to the Philippines or they may hire someone to kill him.
Amid the claims of the resigned Ako Bicol Partylist Representative, Ombudsman Boying Remulla claimed that the Philippine government is ready to help and protect Zaldy Co if he will return to the country. According to him, he needs the witnesses alive and they might be accused if something happens to Co. He assured that they will make the proper arrangements to ensure that Co will not be exposed to perils.
Recently, Ombudsman Boying Remulla claimed that Zaldy Co was supposedly last seen in Japan. Based on a report on GMA News, the country’s chief graft-buster assured that Co will not be able to escape them. According to him, they will extradite him as long as they have the legal permission to do so.
“Hindi kami maiisahan dito. As long as we have the legal authority, kukunin namin sya,” the Ombudsman told dzBB Super Radyo.
Based on the report, Ombudsman Boying Remulla also expressed that a red notice against Zaldy Co in the International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol will be applied now that charges have been filed against him. According to Remulla, the interior department will also seek the cancellation of Co’s passport before the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Recently, the President announced that arrest warrants have been released against 18 individuals including Zaldy Co. Pres. Bongbong Marcos stressed that he initiated the flood control investigation and he will be the one to finish it.