Dismissed Rep. Zaldy Co will be arrested as authorities are relentlessly pursuing all legal avenues despite extradition challenges, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said.

The statement was issued despite the confirmation of DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic’’ Remulla that the beleaguered ex-solon is currently in Portugal, holding a Portuguese passport.

“As of now, wala tayong (Philippines) extradition treaty with Portugal kaya tingin namin doon siya nagtatago (As of now, we do not have extradition treaty with Portugal that is why we think he is hiding there),’’Remulla stated.

When asked about Co’s dual citizenship implications, Remulla clarified the limits of foreign prosecution. 

“Depende sa batas nila (Portuguese government) 'yan. Ang pagkaalam ko, if the crime was committed before the acquisition of the passport, ay hindi siya (Co) chargeable. Kung after the acquisition, pwede siyang i-repatriate (It depends on their laws. As far as I know, if the crime was committed before the acquisition of the passport, he is not chargeable. But after the acquisition, he can be repatriated),’’ Remulla explained.

However, Remulla remained firm that Co will eventually face accountability. 

“Ako, hindi ako nawawalan ng pag-asa. Kasi maliit ang mundo, mas lalong lumiliit ang mundo niya. Pwede siyang magkamali, pwede tayong swertehin. Pwedeng through negotiations mapagbigyan tayo ng Portuguese government (I have not lost hope. Because the world is small, his world is getting smaller. He can make a mistake, we can get lucky. It can be through negotiations the Portuguese government may allow his repatriation),’’ he added.

Remulla also confirmed that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has seized several properties linked to Co, including assets in Forbes Park and Bicol.

 “Lahat ng properties pinasok namin. Yung sa Forbes wala sa pangalan niya (Co), pero beneficial owner siya We entered in all of his properties. The one in Forbes was not registered under his name, but he is the beneficial owner,’’ Remulla maintained, noting that the properties are now under a freeze order.

Earlier, President Ferdinand “Bongbong’’ Marcos Jr. urged Co to return to the country, assuring the public that the investigation into the ghost flood control projects will continue and will not end in disappointment. 

The dismissed solon is at the center of the largest corruption scandal involving ghost flood control projects in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and alleged budget insertions in the House of Representatives.

On the other hand, Remulla assured that the DILG is ready to enforce an arrest warrant should the International Criminal Court (ICC) issue one for Senator Ronald “Bato’’ dela Rosa, who faces charges of crimes against humanity linked to extrajudicial killings during the previous administration’s drug war. 

“Kung lumabas ang warrant of arrest as validated by the Transnational Crime or DOJ or Interpol, aarestuhin namin siya (dela Rosa) (When the warrant of arrest is released as validated by the Transnational Crime or DOJ or Interpol, we will arrest him),’’ Remulla asserted.

He insisted that the DILG affirms its commitment to the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong’’ Marcos Jr. to uphold accountability, ensure justice and strengthen law enforcement cooperation across jurisdictions.